Corps of Engineers awards contract for Fairport Harbor dredging

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District
Published May 21, 2019

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District awarded a $1.131 million contract to conduct dredging of the federal navigation channel in Fairport Harbor, located in the City of Fairport, Ohio, during the summer of 2019.  

The contract was awarded to Luedtke Engineering Co., based in Frankfort, Michigan on April 30, 2019. Under this contract, approximately 180,000 cubic yards of sediment material is to be dredged this year.  The contractor is anticipated to begin work in July 2019 with dredging to be performed throughout the navigation channel.  Project depths are 25 feet in the entrance and outer harbor, 24 feet in the lower river, 21 feet in the upper river, and 18 feet in the turning basin.

“Fairport Harbor is not only one of Northeast Ohio's most beautiful waterfront communities, it is also the largest natural harbor in Lake County" said Representative Dave Joyce (OH-14). "The Army Corps of Engineers’ regular dredging not only keeps the harbor clear but also ensures it can continue to put money back into our regional economy. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’m proud to fight for the funding that supports these critical maintenance efforts and thank the Army Corps of Engineers for all they do for the Buckeye State.”

The frequency of dredging in Fairport Harbor is subject to the availability of funds and when sufficient funding is in place. Fairport Harbor was last dredged in 2017, removing approximately 255,000 cubic yards of material. The Corps of Engineers schedules dredging every 1-2 years in Fairport Harbor in order to maintain federally authorized depths.

“This contract award will improve the ability to support commercial traffic and provide safer navigation for commercial vessels in Fairport Harbor,” said Lt. Col. Jason Toth, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District commander. “We do not do anything alone, so the advocacy of Congressman Joyce, as well as other state and local partners, who have worked hard to secure funding for the effort is greatly appreciated.”

Fairport Harbor is a deep draft commercial harbor that supports the shipping and receiving of commodities, including limestone, sand and gravel, and salt. It generates approximately $137.4M in business revenue annually, and supports 1,162 direct, indirect, and induced jobs that produce over $69.5M per year in personal income for transportation -related industries.


Contact
Shaina Souder
716-879-4240
shaina.r.souder@usace.army.mil
1776 Niagara Street, Buffalo, NY 14207

Release no. 19-021