Posted on May 7, 2025
CLEVELAND — A major dredging project is now underway along the Cuyahoga River and Cleveland Harbor, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its contractor, New York-based DMYLES, Inc., beginning work to clear out the vital shipping lanes.
The $9 million effort is working to remove approximately 180,000 cubic yards of sediment from the federal navigation channel to ensure that large commercial vessels can safely navigate the harbor. The material will be deposited in a confined disposal facility designed to contain and manage the dredged sediment.
Dredging of Cleveland Harbor is conducted annually based on need and available funding. In 2024, about 250,000 cubic yards were removed. This year’s project is expected to wrap up by mid-summer.
Officials say the work is essential to the economic health of not only Cleveland, but the entire Great Lakes region.
In 2022, the harbor handled more than 9.2 million tons of cargo including iron ore, limestone, and salt. That waterborne commerce supported an estimated $421.1 million in business revenue, 1,674 jobs, and over $130 million in labor income for the transportation sector.
“Operation, maintenance and dredging of harbors like Cleveland’s are critical,” said a spokesperson with the Army Corps’ Buffalo District. “These efforts ensure continued economic viability across the region and help sustain the flow of key commodities.”
With work expected to continue through the fall, mariners and shipping companies can expect improved navigation safety heading into the winter season.
