Letter to the Hon. Todd Semonite, Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Huizenga, Upton Advocate for US Army Corps to Dredge Holland Harbor

Letter

Dear Lieutenant General Semonite:

As the United States Army Corps (Corps) develops the fiscal year (FY) 2020 work plan, we write to once again urge the Corps to include funding for dredging to properly maintain the infrastructure of Holland Harbor.

Together, the Great Lakes delegation and our colleagues are committed to ensuring that commercial and shallow draft harbors in the Great Lakes are adequately maintained. This is demonstrated by the increased funding of $2.6 billion above the budget request for the Corps, which will help to maintain our nation's water transportation and infrastructure.

Located on the east shore of Lake Michigan, Holland Harbor is a deep draft commercial harbor and major regional receiving port on the Great Lakes. In 2018, 638,312 tons were transported with an estimated annual revenue of $117,080,669. These values increased substantially from years prior and future volumes are forecasted to continue to grow, resulting in an estimated $62 million increase in annual revenue by 2020.

Holland Harbor is a vital part of West Michigan's economy and is truly the lifeblood of our community. It is critically important that the necessary funds are prioritized so that the harbor can maintain its designed depth and width.

We urge the USACE to provide funding to ensure that Holland Harbor continues to be an engine of economic growth and a source of recreational tourism for our community.

Thank you for your consideration.

Source