Corps of Engineers awards contract for Sandusky Harbor dredging

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District
Published June 17, 2019

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District awarded a $1.364 million contract to conduct dredging of the federal navigation channel and harbor areas in Sandusky Harbor during summer 2019.  

 

The contract was awarded to Ryba Marine Construction Company, based in Cheboygan, Michigan on June 10, 2019. Under this contract, approximately 324,000 cubic yards of material is to be dredged this year.  The contractor is anticipated to begin work in September 2019 with dredging to be performed in the Outer Bay channel and the Straight channel. 

"This essential funding, totaling $1.364 million, is critical for Sandusky Harbor because it sustains vital operations at the Port," said Representative Marcy Kaptur, Dist. 9 - OH. "Nearly 3,500 jobs are directly and indirectly supported by activity in Sandusky Harbor. Making improvements there means jobs and a safe harbor.

“This is much more than a dredging contract --it ensures safe passage for boat traffic and supports key job creators, including Norfolk Southern, Sandusky Dock Corp., George Gradel Co., Cedar Point Amusement Park, commercial ferries, and private marinas.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ attention to this regional job engine is needed and always appreciated.”

The frequency of dredging in Sandusky is subject to the availability of funds and when sufficient funding is in place.  Sandusky harbor was last dredged in 2018, when approximately 330,000 cubic yards of material were removed. Maintenance dredging is also scheduled for 2020. The outer harbor has authorized depths of 25 feet in the Bay channel and 21 feet in the Straight channel.

“Buffalo District is proud to be executing yet another dredging contract award in our district – this time for Sandusky Harbor. Regular maintenance dredging of Sandusky Harbor ensures safer navigation for commercial vessels,” said Lt. Col. Jason Toth, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District commander. “We are grateful for the continued advocacy of Congressman Kaptur, as well as other state and local partners, who have worked hard to secure funding for this effort. The Corps of Engineers looks forward to continue these efforts for the Sandusky community.”

Sandusky Harbor is a major receiving and shipping port on the Great Lakes and a harbor of refuge. In 2017, Sandusky Harbor handled 3,482,000 tons consisting of 97.7% coal, 0.5% agricultural products, and 1.8% other commodities.  It provides 2,637 direct, indirect, and induced jobs that produce over $157.8M per year in personal income in transportation related industries.

 


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

Release no. 19-026