Posted on November 3, 2021
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Buffalo District and its contractor, Illinois-based Kovilic Construction Company Inc., completed substantial repairs of the Vermilion Harbor east pier on October 26, 2021.
Construction on the $2.2 million project began in June and encompassed 70 feet of the most degraded section of the pier. Included in the construction were repairs to a mass concrete structure immediately adjacent to the existing timber crib, placement of new armor stone, reuse of existing cover stones, and installation of curved precast concrete blocks.
“Through the remarkable work of the Army Corps of Engineers, the nearly 200-year-old Vermilion breakwater and pier are well on their way to being stabilized for the future. With quick action from the Corps and our local stakeholders, this effort has resulted in the restoration of critical protection for Vermilion Harbor and its surrounds for decades to come,” said Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH 9th District).
“Maintenance of the piers at Vermilion Harbor does more than just protect the shoreline of Lake Erie,” said Lt. Col. Eli Adams, USACE Buffalo District Commander. “It helps maintain a safe recreational boating space for individuals and the 13 seasonal charter fishing boats which generate more than $200,000 in annual revenue for the community.”
Additional repairs of the remaining 540 feet of the pier are needed. Funding has been secured to complete design for the remaining length, but funding is still needed for construction.
$5.7 million has been allocated in the Fiscal Year 2022 President’s budget for separate design and construction of repairs to the Vermilion Harbor west pier. An award for contract is planned for Summer 2022.
Repairs to the piers are 100% federally funded.
The Vermilion Harbor east pier was constructed in 1837 at a length of 600 feet. Minor and emergency repairs have been completed over the years, and repair around the navigation light and rebuild of the pier from the navigation light (channel side) occurred in 2003.
The Buffalo District delivers world class engineering solutions to the Great Lakes Region, the Army and the Nation in order to ensure national security, environmental sustainability, water resource management, and emergency assistance during peace and war.
