The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, has begun dredging operations in Buffalo Harbor to maintain safe and navigable waterways for Great Lakes commercial vessels, cruise ships, recreational boaters and other harbor users on Lake Erie.
The Buffalo District awarded a USD 2.3 million contract in April 2026 to Michigan-based Ryba Marine Construction Co. to complete the work.
Dredging operations are expected to start as early as July 18 and will contribute to the creation of a new Great Lakes wetland in Buffalo’s outer harbor.
Approximately 190,000 cubic yards of sediment will be mechanically dredged from the federal navigation channels in the outer harbor and river channel. Of that material, about 110,000 cubic yards will be placed first in the Corps of Engineers’ confined disposal facility, followed by approximately 80,000 cubic yards being placed in the abandoned Shipping Slip 3 in Buffalo’s Outer Harbor next to Wilkeson Pointe.
For safety during placement of material in the slip next to Wilkeson Pointe, paddle craft such as kayaks will not be permitted in the water. Placement in the slip is estimated to begin August 1 and be completed by August 25.
Buffalo Harbor is a deep draft commercial harbor which handled 1.2 million tons of cargo, including sand & gravel (26%), limestone (24%) and grain mill products (19%) in 2023. Waterborne transportation facilitated by the harbor supports USD 51.5 million in business revenue, 169 jobs and USD 14.6 million in labor income to the transportation sector.
The harbor was last dredged in 2024, when approximately 80,000 cubic yards of material were removed. Buffalo Harbor is dredged every two years depending on shoaling conditions, funding availability and federal navigation priorities.
Authorized depths within Buffalo Harbor range from 22 to 30 feet, with the shallowest depths in the Buffalo River channel and the deepest depths in the south entrance channel. The Corps of Engineers maintains these depths to support safe and efficient navigation for large vessels.
Mariners are encouraged to use caution near active dredging equipment and maintain a safe distance from work areas. Dredging activities are coordinated to minimize disruption whenever possible.
Sediment removed from Buffalo Harbor is tested in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and New York state agencies to ensure it meets applicable environmental standards for placement.