Posted on January 14, 2026
PENTWATER — Legislation recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives includes $1.666 million to support dredging at Pentwater Harbor, a federally authorized navigation channel maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District.
The funding is designated for the Pentwater Harbor Dredging Project, which is intended to remove sediment buildup from the harbor channel and maintain safe navigation for recreational boaters, charter fishing vessels and other lake traffic that supports local tourism and waterfront businesses in Oceana County.
Pentwater Harbor is part of the federal navigation system on Lake Michigan and has an authorized channel depth of approximately 12 feet, according to the Army Corps of Engineers. Sediment accumulation at the harbor entrance and within the channel is a recurring issue, requiring periodic maintenance dredging to preserve navigable depths.
The Detroit District of the Army Corps has conducted routine maintenance dredging at Pentwater Harbor in recent years, including work in 2023, when dredging operations were carried out alongside maintenance at Ludington Harbor. The Corps has also indicated plans for additional maintenance dredging in fiscal years 2025 and 2026 through its contracting and planning processes.
Funding for harbor dredging projects is provided through the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations process, which supports Army Corps of Engineers operations and maintenance activities nationwide.
In a statement released following House passage of the bill, John Moolenaar said the legislation “is expected to be considered quickly in the Senate and go to the president’s desk.”
Pentwater Harbor provides direct access between Lake Michigan and Pentwater Lake and serves as a seasonal hub for recreational boating and charter fishing. Dredging has been cited by federal and local officials as essential to maintaining safe access and supporting economic activity tied to the harbor.
