30 Apr 2025

Corps of Engineers to Start Dredging Cleveland Harbor

Dredging of the Cleveland Harbor federal navigation channel by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District and its contractor, New York-based DMYLES, Inc. will begin May 1. Dredging of harbors like Cleveland’s ensures accessible depths for large vessels, the continued flow of commodities across the Great Lakes, and the economic viability of United States waterways.

18 Apr 2025

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin dredging at Holland Harbor

The U.S. Corps of Engineers, Detroit District will start dredging the entrance to Holland Harbor as early as Thursday, April 24 to remove shoaling across the federal channel.  Surveys indicate a shoal formed in the winter months across the entrance to the harbor that could potentially impact commercial dredging if not addressed. 

14 Apr 2025

Safety is Top Focus as Repairs Resume on Cleveland West Pier

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District will continue repairs to the Cleveland West Pier this week. Visitors to Wendy Park and boaters on the Cuyahoga River are reminded to observe all safety signs and instructions as USACE and Cleveland Metroparks complete improvements to this popular recreation spot and critical piece of federal infrastructure.

2 Apr 2025

USACE Ready to Deliver Critical Repairs to Oswego Harbor Outer West Breakwater

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Buffalo District awarded a $9.1 million contract to Michigan-based Great Lakes Dock and materials for repairs to the Oswego Harbor outer west breakwater, with plans to start this spring. The breakwater foundation has been significantly damaged by storms, wave action, and deterioration for more than 90 years. Repairs will ensure continued safe navigation for commercial and recreational vessels between Lake Ontario and the rest of the Great Lakes, directly contributing to the nation’s economy.

13 Mar 2025

Soo Locks to open early for 2025 shipping season

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District will open the Poe Lock, part of the Soo Locks, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan early to all marine traffic at 8 a.m. on March 21, marking the start of the 2025 Great Lakes shipping season. The shipping industry requested an early season opening based on the understanding that “the 2025 winter lock maintenance will be completed by this date and an early opening will not impact U.S. Army Corps operations this season,” said Lake Carriers’ Association President James Weakley. “Opening the Soo Locks on March 21 will provide relief to the increased pressure that the Great Lakes Navigation System will face with the influx of foreign vessels including the Canadian domestic fleet on March 22 when the Seaway opens,” said Weakley.

14 Jan 2025

Soo Locks Closing for Seasonal Repair, Maintenance

The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan will close to all marine traffic beginning 11:59 p.m. January 15, or until commercial traffic ceases, through 12:01 a.m. March 25 to perform seasonal critical maintenance. Federal regulation (33 CFR 207.440) establishes the operating season based on the feasibility of vessels operating during typical Great Lakes ice conditions. “Every year, the Corps of Engineers uses the non-navigation winter period to perform maintenance and keep the Soo Locks operating,” Maintenance Branch Chief Nicholas Pettit said. “The Soo Project Office team works long hours in extreme conditions to complete a significant amount of maintenance during this annual closure period. The work they perform is unique, especially given the harsh northern Michigan winter conditions they work in.”

23 Sep 2024

Channel Cleared in Fairport Harbor by Corps of Engineers Dredging

Biennial dredging of Fairport Harbor’s federal navigation channel by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is complete.  Dredging of Fairport Harbor ensures accessible depths for large vessels, the continued flow of commodities across the Great Lakes, and the economic viability of United States waterways. 

12 Sep 2024

Critical Repairs and a Clear Channel on the way for Lorain Harbor

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District is investing more than $14 million in breakwater repairs and dredging in Lorain Harbor. Work by USACE and its contractors will ensure safe navigation for commercial and recreational vessels, prevent erosion along Ohio’s Great Lakes shoreline, and maintain the economic viability of the harbor and its historic lighthouse in the local and national economy.

12 Sep 2024

Dredging on the Way for Barcelona Harbor

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District awarded a $1.5 million contract to Michigan-based Ryba Marine Construction Co. on Sep. 4 to conduct dredging of the federal navigation channel in Barcelona Harbor. Dredging of harbors like Barcelona ensures accessible depths for vessels traveling the Great Lakes and enables recreational boating which supports more than $1.6 million in business revenue and labor income to the transportation sector.

13 Aug 2024

More Critical Repairs Started on Vermilion Harbor Piers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District and its contractor, Chicago-based Architectural Consulting Group, Ltd., have started repairs on another section of the Vermilion Harbor West Pier. Vermilion Harbor’s piers ensure the harbor remains economically viable and able to provide safe access for recreation and refuge to boaters on the Great Lakes.