Posted on May 30, 2017
Despite recent flooding due to the rising waters of Lake Ontario, local officials are hailing a plan to invest $725,000 in the dredging of Wilson Harbor.
“Even as the devastation of record high water levels has incurred millions of dollars in damage through destruction of docks and supporting infrastructure, this funding will play a part in maintaining the necessary harbor depth in the future,” said David Godfrey, 10th District Niagara County legislator. “The record high water brings with it record levels of silt, both of which will need to be planned for and removed.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ 2017 work plan includes $725,000 in maintenance dredging funding for Wilson Harbor. U.S. Rep. Chris Collins, R-Clarence, made the announcement on Friday.
“Ensuring our harbors are dredged and maintained on a regular basis helps deter safety risks and potential negative impacts to a local economy,” Collins said. “Aside from the direct impact … it will also help grow Niagara County’s tourism industry and preserve Wilson’s recreational boating and fishing community.”
Wilson Harbor is home to 476 slips, two boat launch lanes and 15 charter boats. Harbor operation has an estimated economic impact of $4.7 million and supports 69 jobs.
Typically harbors are dredged every three to five years, but the full Wilson Harbor was last dredged in 2000. In the interim, sections of the federal West Pier have become deteriorated and now require repairs to restore proper function.
Source: Lockport
