Posted on May 13, 2021
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District has awarded a $7.8 million contract to Ryba Marine Construction Co. for the repair of 750 feet of the north end of the Buffalo North Breakwater using rubble mound repair to the lakeside of the structure, with construction to start by mid-summer.
The approximately 2,200 foot Buffalo North Breakwater protects the Erie Basin Marina and entrance to the Erie Basin, federal navigation channel, and coastal shoreline from deep water wave and ice action. These conditions, along with the age of the structure, have contributed to sections of the structure to breakdown and unravel.
The Corps of Engineers has identified the most degraded area to repair based on available funding, and repairs to the remaining reach is dependent upon receiving additional funding.
“I am pleased with the continued work that the Army Corps of Engineers has invested into Buffalo’s waterfront,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “They are not only protecting the investment we have made into Western New York’s waterways, but making it safer for all that utilize Buffalo Harbor.”
“It is an exciting time for Buffalo’s waterfront,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “This federal investment will protect the water’s edge and support safe and efficient commercial and recreational boating.”
“Great Lakes’ navigation structures, like the Buffalo North Breakwater, protect federal navigation channels and are a critical piece of the Great Lakes Navigation System. Overall, this system includes infrastructure which benefits the Nation and enables the transportation of about 122.3 million tons of cargo annually, supports 147,500 U.S. jobs, and helps generate $20.3 billion in U.S. business revenue,” said LTC Eli Adams, USACE Buffalo District Commander. “Repairs to the aging Buffalo North Breakwater is an investment in navigational safety and coastal resiliency. This project will ensure protection of the entrance to the Black Rock channel and lock as well as nearby critical public infrastructure from the harsh Lake Erie waters. Without the continued support by our federally elected officials, this project would not be possible.”
The Buffalo North Breakwater was originally constructed in 1901 to protect the opening to the Black Rock Canal. Significant repairs were last completed during 1984.
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.
