Posted on June 4, 2025
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are back-dredging the federal navigation channel in Barcelona Harbor in Westfield to make it easier for commercial and recreational vessels to pass through.
Crews were also out two years ago after the channel was closed off completely, part of an ongoing pattern of unsettled weather conditions.
“High water levels, heavy winds, lack of ice in the winter, and actually, two years ago we had one storm that removed 35 feet of beach overnight,” said Martha Bills, Westfield town supervisor.
Crews expected to remove about 80,000 cubic yards of sediment and other debris that went crashing into and over the break wall.
Part of the project also includes looking at ways to enhance the wall to better protect the channel from accumulating debris.
“The harbor is important to our community and to our region. It’s really an economic driver, and it’s a beautiful spot that people enjoy,” said Bills.
“It’s a harbor of refuge,” said Lex Barker, dredging program manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Army Corps leaders also have dredging projects along Oak Orchard Harbor in Orleans County and Great Sodus Bay Harbor in Wayne County.
The Buffalo district was awarded $1.4 million in federal funding for the Barcelona project last fall and was also able to secure additional funding in March, with approval from state agencies for advanced maintenance dredging as well.
“Our contractor will have equipment. So, be safe while you’re out there. Should still be able to navigate in and out,” said Barker.
Bills says that is welcome news for the local, state and regional economy.
“We have a lot of charter boats operating out of there,” Bills said. “Three commercial fishing operations. We have a dive boat going out and all of the recreational fisherman, so it’s quite a busy place and it’s one of three harbors in New York state on Lake Erie,” said Bills.
Work is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
The Buffalo District includes New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania and received more than $235 million for cleanup projects for the fiscal year 2025.
