The necessity of clearing harbors along the Lake Michigan shoreline is on the mind of Michigan Congressman Fred Upton.
The Congressman sent a letter last week to the leaders on the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies asking them to support President Biden’s FY22 Budget Request for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ operations and maintenance budget which includes funds for beach nourishment at seven harbors across Michigan.
Specifically, the President’s budget request includes $108.88 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ operations and maintenance program, with funds for dredging at several key harbors in Southwest Michigan including the Holland Harbor, South Haven Harbor, and St. Joseph Harbor.
“Southwest Michigan’s commercial and recreational harbors are the lifeblood of the coastal communities they serve, enhancing regional and local economic development and supporting local job growth,” Upton said. “I urge your support of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ operations and maintenance budget as reflected in the President’s FY22 Budget Request.“
Upton also asked the Subcommittee leaders to consider adding New Buffalo Harbor to the list of key projects under the operations and maintenance program.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers listed New Buffalo Harbor as a capability in FY22 but was not included in the President’s Budget Request.