Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is in town conducting work in the Dunkirk Harbor.  The project is funded with $820,000 through the Recovery Act and $376,000 secured by Congressman Higgins in the House Energy and Water bill.  

Work is ongoing along both the recreational and commercial channels.  The Army Corps estimates that without this work, continued shoaling, limiting commercial and recreational use, would have cost the local economy approximately $2.159 million per year in lost revenue.  

“The developing Dunkirk Harbor draws tourism dollars to the region and supports local business and jobs here,” said Congressman Higgins, a member of the Congressional Great Lakes Caucus.  “This dredge work literally clears the way for new economic opportunities for the Dunkirk region.”

Clearing the commercial channel will allow NRG to receive coal by vessel, reducing the need for rail freight which creates an obstruction to Route 5.  The Harbor is also a popular spot for recreational boating and sport fishing.
 
In April members of Congressman Higgins staff and Mayor Frey’s staff met with representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers to review the details of the project.  

 Last August the Army Corps issued a notice warning vessel operators to use caution when navigating in the area due to reduced depths in the Harbor.  Failure to dredge would result in continued reduced channel dimensions resulting in light loading and increased transportation costs.  The current sediment backlog within the harbor is extensive.  The area was last dredged by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2004.  Regular maintenance calls for dredging every two years.