17 Jul 2026

Buffalo Harbor Dredging Starting; Supports Safe Navigation, the Economy and Future Great Lakes Coastal Wetland

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, will begin 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 $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.

30 Jun 2026

Repair Work Continues on Dunkirk Breakwater

The Dunkirk outer breakwater rehabilitation project continues this summer as the first phase of repairs nears completion. The breakwater is critical to safe navigation in Dunkirk Harbor and has sustained damage from years of wave and ice exposure. The first phase of repairs fixed approximately 1,850 feet of the structure, with a second phase ongoing now through November 2026 to repair the remaining 450 feet.

11 May 2026

Corps of Engineers Awards $14.9M Contract to Repair Oswego Breakwaters

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District awarded a $14.9 million contract on April 30 to Michigan-based Dean Marine and Excavating for repairs to the Oswego Harbor West and East breakwaters, with plans to start construction this summer. This award advances a broader mission to strengthen and modernize breakwater infrastructure in Oswego Harbor with more than $50 million of federally funded and planned coastal resilience improvements, ensuring more than $28 million in annual business revenue and labor income for the Great Lakes region and the nation.

4 May 2026

Corps of Engineers Awards Contract to Dredge Rochester Harbor in 2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District awarded a $1.78 million contract to Michigan-based Ryba Marine Construction Co. on April 28th to conduct dredging of the federal navigation channel in Rochester Harbor this year. Dredging of harbors like Rochester’s ensures accessible depths for large vessels, the continued flow of commodities across the Great Lakes, and nearly $2.7 million in business revenue and labor income for the region.

28 Apr 2026

Corps of Engineers Beginning Critical Repairs in Lorain Harbor

Construction began this week on critical repairs to the Lorain Harbor’s West Breakwater. The 100% federally funded project is part of a multi-year, $20.5 million plan to ensure the harbor’s safety, viability and contributions to the local and national economy.

14 Apr 2026

Corps of Engineers Awards Contract to Dredge Cleveland Harbor in 2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District awarded an $11.7 million contract to New York-based DMYLES, Inc. on April 9 to conduct dredging of the federal navigation channel in Cleveland Harbor twice this year. Dredging of harbors like Cleveland’s ensures accessible depths for large vessels, the continued flow of commodities across the Great Lakes, and nearly $789 million in business revenue and labor income for the region.

14 Apr 2026

2026 Operations Schedule for Black Rock Lock

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Buffalo District is announcing the Black Rock Lock operations schedule for the 2026 navigation season. The Black Rock Lock is one of three lock systems operated and maintained by USACE on the U.S. side of the Great Lakes and saw more than 1,002 vessels and 80.2k tons of commerce pass through its gates in 2025.

23 Mar 2026

Corps of Engineers Delivering Critical Repairs to Great Sodus Bay Breakwater

Final work is getting underway this week on critical repairs to the Great Sodus Bay East Breakwater. The 100% federally funded project is part of a two-year, $6.7 million project, ensuring the harbor’s viability and its contributions to the local and national economy, as well as protection of some of the area’s best waterfront opportunities.

10 Mar 2026

Soo Locks to open for 2026 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 to all marine traffic at 12:01 a.m. EST on March 25, marking the start of the 2026 Great Lakes shipping season. Federal regulation (33 CFR 207.440) establishes the operating season based on the feasibility of vessels operating during typical Great Lakes ice conditions.

17 Dec 2025

Corps of Engineers Investing $15.5M in Bird Island Pier and Buffalo Infrastructure

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District has awarded a $4.2 million contract to Michigan-based Ryba Marine Construction Co. for repairs to the Bird Island Pier along the Niagara River. The contract is part of $15.5 million in repairs to the pier, ensuring safe navigation, a strong regional economy, and protection of the City of Buffalo’s main drinking water source.