With major roadwork on the connection of US-31 and I-94 looming, tons of materials will be coming to the local harbor, and to provide clear passage for aggregate materials and beyond, Congressman Fred Upton has today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is providing an emergency $500,000 to dredge the St. Joseph Harbor after his request.
The harbor, which is essential to jobs and economic activity in Southwest Michigan and across the state, needed the emergency funding to deepen the channel into the St. Joseph river. Upton has been in close contact with local business leaders and Berrien County officials concerning the issue, and originally the Army Corps had not planned any dredging this summer.
Upton says, “This is welcome news for jobs, economic growth, and everyone who calls southwest Michigan home,” adding, “The Harbor needs this emergency funding for dredging to ensure our harbors and communities remain open and ready for business. The Army Corps remains a strong partner in our efforts to support critical, pro-jobs efforts here in southwest Michigan. I’d add that without the funding, additional sand and gravel required for the start of the final construction for the completion of US 31 could well have been delayed yet another year as the Lake Michigan freight carriers told me they would not go beyond the railroad bridge without dredging. Bottom line – this announcement is a huge victory for the people of southwest Michigan.”
Keeping the St. Joseph harbor open to commercial traffic has long been a top priority for Upton, as the Great Lakes harbors are essential to economic growth, infrastructure development, and countless local jobs.
