USACE keeps Muskegon Harbor free from winter shoaling with dredging

The USACE Detroit District began dredging work last week in Muskegon Harbor to remove about 133,000 cubic yards of sediment from the federal navigation channel.

The project marks the start of the 2024 Detroit District dredging season on the Western Michigan shoreline of Lake Michigan to maintain Great Lakes navigation for commercial shipping to harbors along Western Michigan.

“This early dredging project is an important effort to keep harbors free from winter shoaling and keep commercial business flowing efficiently without delay,” said Liz Newell Wilkinson, Grand Haven Resident Office resident engineer.

Spring shoaling – shifting sand and stone sediment due to wave action – caused two ship groundings in the area during the past two years.

Dredged sediment will be placed in the state-permitted area south of the harbor, beginning north of the City of Muskegon Water Filtration Plant and continuing approximately 3,000 feet south.

The hydraulic dredging project, awarded to King Co. based in Holland, Michigan, is expected to cost approximately $800,000 from Fiscal Year 2023 Operation and Maintenance funds.

According to USACE, the project is scheduled to conclude in late June.