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Background
Many harbors require periodic dredging to remove sand and silt that naturally deposit at the bottom of shipping channels. By law, this work is the responsibility of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Due to budgetary constraints, in recent years the Corps has had to cut back on the amount of dredging performed in Great Lakes harbors. This has resulted in a backlog of work now exceeding $200 million. Many ports are becoming difficult for ships to navigate within. In some cases, shipping channels have become blocked. This has resulted in the loss of maritime activity at some ports, hindering the movement of commerce for the region's industries and farmers.
A closer look at the Corps of Engineers' budget reveals that the Great Lakes region is shouldering a greater share of budget cuts than other areas of the United States. For example, although similar types and amounts of cargo are moved on the Ohio River Navigation System and the Great Lakes Navigation System, the Corps spends almost twice as much on Ohio River maintenance expenses. This results in a direct economic benefit for the economy of that region.
AGLPA Position:
AGLPA urges Congress to provide adequate funds in the FY09 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill to enable the Corps of Engineers to address the dredging backlog at Great Lakes harbors, with particular focus on the following critical locations:
- Toledo Harbor, Ohio
- Green Bay Harbor, Wisconsin
- Milwaukee Harbor, Wisconsin
- Erie Harbor, Pennsylvania
- Duluth/Superior Harbor, Minnesota/Wisconsin
- Ashtabula Harbor, Ohio
- Grand Haven Harbor, Michigan
- Holland Harbor, Michigan
- Indiana Harbor, Indiana
- Ludington Harbor, Michigan
- Sandusky Harbor, Ohio
- St. Joseph Harbor, Michigan
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