Posted on May 8, 2018
By Justine McGuire, MLive
Three Lake Michigan harbors will be dredged this year at a cost of more than $1.7 million.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District awarded $1.788 million in dredging contracts two companies to remove more than 200,000 cubic yards of material from the harbors in Manistee, Portage Lake and Holland.
“This important work will keep the shipping channels open and the Corps of Engineers is pleased to do its part to maintain these key components of the Great Lakes Navigation System,” said Lt. Col. Dennis Sugrue, district engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District. “Marine transport of commodities is safe, economical and environmentally friendly.”
About 56,000 cubic yards of material will be removed from the inner harbor in Holland from May 7 to Aug. 31. The last time it was dredged was during 2014. The $788,000 contract was awarded to King Company, Inc., of Holland.
Marine transportation in Holland harbor handles coal, building materials, petroleum products and other miscellaneous commodities.
Dredged material from Holland will be placed in the Holland Township upland dredge material placement site.
About 60,000 cubic yards of material will be removed from Manistee’s harbor. Work is expected to run from May 14 to Sept. 21. The last time the harbor was dredged was 2016.
Cargo coming into Manistee harbor includes coal, sand, salt and general cargo.
About 128,000 cubic yards will be removed from Portage Lake’s harbor. Work is expected to take place from May 14 to Sept. 21. The last time the harbor was dredged was 2010.
Portage Lake harbor serves as an important “harbor of refuge” and supports commercial and recreational fishing interests.
MCM Marine Inc., of Sault Ste. Marie was awarded a $1 million contract for the jobs in Manistee harbor and Portage Lake harbor.
“(Dredged) material will be placed south of each harbor in the near shore areas for beach nourishment at both Manistee and Portage Lake harbors,” according to a news release from the Army Corps of Engineers.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, maintains a navigation system of 91 harbors and four connecting channels, including the channels joining lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie.
Source: MLive
