Posted on April 3, 2025
OSWEGO, N.Y. — 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.
“With this contract awarded, it is full steam ahead for the repair of the Oswego Harbor Outer West Breakwater. For years, storms, wave action, and deterioration have significantly damaged the breakwater’s foundation. As Oswego County’s loudest voice in Washington, I promised I would deliver the federal support to help us exit those choppy waters, and over the past several years I have proudly followed through on that promise by securing the funds to help Oswego Harbor set sail towards a brighter future,” said U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer. “With work soon to be underway, the commercial and recreational boats that use this harbor can breathe a sigh of relief. This critical upgrade will help the Port of Oswego unleash the full potential of Oswego harbor and add to the rising tide of parallel federal efforts on Lake Ontario, such as the recently designated National Marine Sanctuary, that I championed. I will never stop fighting to deliver all the resources we need to ensure a thriving and well-protected Great Lakes for generations to come.”
“Oswego Harbor is a critical component of the Great Lakes Navigation System, supporting economic growth and strategic value to the nation,” said Lt. Col. Robert Burnham, USACE Buffalo District commander. “We look forward to delivering this project on time and within budget, ensuring Oswego’s waterfront continues serving the local community and the country.”
“This project will not only repair long term damage and strengthen our breakwater, but it will also mean an influx of workers that positively benefits our local economy. We are very grateful for the U.S Army Corps of Engineers’ ongoing maintenance of the Oswego Harbor that benefits the commercial commerce of the port, charter ship captains, and all those who benefit from the harbor and enjoy Lake Ontario and the Oswego River,” said Thomas Schneider, interim executive director of the Port of Oswego Authority.
“We are so pleased to see the breakwater repair being brought to completion. This is another step to making that happen, helping to keep boaters and the public safe throughout the entire year,” said Mercedes Niess, executive director of the H. Lee White Maritime Museum at Oswego.
Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2025 and be completed by winter 2026.
During construction, the harbor’s federal navigation channel will remain open. However, the contractor’s equipment may be in a portion of the channel to complete repairs. Commercial and recreational vessel operators are encouraged to proceed with caution when entering and exiting the federal navigation channel.
USACE previously completed repairs to 1,100 feet of the West Arrowhead Breakwater’s lakeside in 2018 and 2019, and the lighthouse foundation in 2023. Remaining lighthouse foundation, and lakeside and middle portions of the breakwater were completed in fall 2024.
This project is fully federally funded.
Oswego Harbor is a deep draft commercial harbor which handled 381,000 tons of cargo, including cement & concrete (45%), aluminum (26%), and petroleum coke (8%) in 2022. Waterborne transportation facilitated by the harbor supports $26.8 million in business revenue, 107 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, and $8.5 million in labor income to the transportation sector.
Photos of the Oswego Breakwaters are available at: https://flickr.com/photos/buffalousace/albums/72177720298914566
