U.S. Rep. Fred Upton joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to survey the closed St. Joe Harbor on Thursday. A three-day storm last week stirred up sand and silt, which caused dangerous shoaling conditions in the St. Joseph River channel.
“We confirmed there is a sandbar that stretches west of the north pier with a depth that makes it impossible for lake freighters carrying salt, sand, gravel and cement to enter the port,” Upton said. “It appears 30,000 yards or more of sand will need to be relocated and used for beach nourishment to allow vessels to safely enter and depart the St. Joseph River. It is our hope the Corps of Engineers can prepare the necessary documents for bids as early as next week.”
Upton noted that as winter approaches, weather could have a serious impact on the ability to complete the project this season. As it stands now, several ships have been turned away from the harbor. It was anticipated the harbor would handle 18 more ships before the end of the year between the three commercial docks. Given the negative impacts on construction and other projects in Southwest Michigan and surrounding areas, Upton said he is hopeful the Corps and weather pattern works out to allow the emergency dredging to take place this year.
“I thank the Corps for taking me out to see firsthand the size of the sandbar and its impact on shipping,” Upton added. “Getting the port reopened as soon as possible is vital to the local economy and families of Southwest Michigan.”
Additionally, Harbormaster Michael Moran provided an update via the St. Joseph and Benton Harbor Shipping News Facebook page.
“The Corps was out to reevaluate the shoaling today, including looking at possible passage from the South of the shoal,” Moran said. “The Samuel de Champlain/Innovation is here, looking at coming South of the shoal with two G Tugs to assist. Buoys have been placed to mark a channel. The Corps is still looking at options for dredging. No word on that officially yet. … The shipping docks and shipping companies are continuing to evaluate options. I expect today’s attempt will tell us more for the future.”
