Write a comment
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District has awarded a $4.7 million contract to continue repairs on the west arrowhead breakwater located at the Port of Oswego, Oswego, New York.
"This funding I helped secure will ensure Oswego Harbor remains open for both commercial and recreational business," said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. "With the threat of high water and damaging waves expected to continue along Lake Ontario, I will continue to work in Congress to secure funding that will make our shores more resilient."
The contract was awarded to Dean Marine and Excavating, Inc., based in Mount Clemens, Michigan, on May 15, 2019. The contractor is anticipated to begin work during summer 2019 and includes a 600 feet repair along the lake side of the breakwater.
"The Port of Oswego is a vital navigation channel that connects commercial ships and recreational boats from the Great Lakes to Central New York, helping to drive local tourism and contributing to the economy," said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. "The completion of the arrowhead breakwater repairs will help ensure that ships can continue to safely navigate through Oswego Harbor, and I'm glad that this project is moving forward."
During 2018, the Corps of Engineers repaired 475 feet of the 2,700 feet Oswego Harbor west arrowhead breakwater. This contract award will allow repair work to continue this year. The breakwater will allow for safer passage for commercial and recreational traffic, while also serving as a means to dissipate wave action in Oswego Harbor.
"The Port of Oswego is vital to the economy of our entire region. In Congress, I've consistently advocated for funding so that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is able to keep this port functional and open for business," said Representative Katko. "Repairing the breakwall will ensure commercial and recreational boaters are able to safely navigate the Port, and I applaud the Army Corps for prioritizing this project."
Oswego Harbor is a deep draft commercial harbor interconnected with 7 commercial ports, supporting more than 250,000 tons annually. It is home to 536 recreational slips, 6 boat launches, and 29 charter boats. It generates $19 million in economic benefits and supports a total of 209 direct, indirect, and induced jobs.
"Buffalo District is proud to be able to contribute to the safety of Oswego Harbor through this repair of the west arrowhead breakwater," said Lt. Col. Jason Toth, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District commander. "We are thankful for all of the advocacy and support we receive from Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Representative Katko to continue assisting with these projects and taking care of the American people."
William W. Scriber, Executive Director of the Port of Oswego Authority, reacted to the announcement by the Army Corp. by saying, “This is great news to the port as the funding for break wall repair has been under funded for years. This project with the last two in recent years is making headway in returning the break wall to the original construction that protected the Port of Oswego and the harbor. This now is even more important as we see the high-water events and their destructive outcomes on port property on both the east and west dock and land the port owns.” He added, “ I would like to thank our congressional delegation for their efforts in securing these monies to make this project a reality.”
