Posted on July 20, 2026
DETROIT — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District will begin maintenance dredging operations at outer Grand Haven Harbor as early as July 17, 2026, to remove shoaling from the federal navigation channel at the entrance of the Grand River.
The King Co., Inc., based in Holland, Michigan, was previously awarded the contract to perform the hydraulic dredging for $546,000. The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of August.
“Maintaining the operational depth of Grand Haven Harbor is critical for the safety of our maritime community and the local economy,” said Liz Wilkinson, Grand Haven Office operations manager. “We are working diligently to ensure these vital operations are completed efficiently while keeping the public informed of our progress and safety protocols.”
Details of Operations
Dredging will take place at the outer harbor entrance between the pier heads, as well as in Lake Michigan just outside the pier heads.
The dredged material will be transported through a submerged pipeline and safely discharged near the shore. The discharge zone begins just north of the Brucker Street beach and continues north for 3,500 feet in water depths ranging from 8 to 12 feet. The public should be aware that the actual distance from the shoreline to the discharge area can vary greatly depending on underwater topography.
Prior to operations, multiple samples of the dredge material were taken and tested to confirm that the contents are safe and suitable for near-shore placement.
Safety and Navigation Advisory
Safety remains our top priority during this operation. To ensure clear visibility for all waterway users, the submerged pipeline will be marked with orange buoys every 500 feet, flanked by a bright yellow, lit pontoon at each end. Depending on the time of day, the appearance of these pontoons may vary. Additionally, white buoys will be positioned on each end of the dredge to clearly indicate anchor locations.
All mariners are urged to navigate with extreme caution when transiting near the dredging equipment and must adhere to all posted maritime signals and temporary navigation aids.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers appreciates the community’s cooperation and understanding as we carry out these necessary operations to maintain harbor safety and efficiency.
The Detroit District oversees 3,150 miles of shoreline, 81 harbors and channels connecting the Great Lakes, and manages projects across Michigan and parts of Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
