Write a commentU.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today applauded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to award a $1.5 million contract to conduct dredging operations in Oswego Harbor.
Dredging in the federal navigation channel and harbor areas will take place during spring and early summer this year.
"Serving as the first U.S. port of call and deepwater port on the Great Lakes from the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Port of Oswego is a critical economic engine for Oswego County and all of Central New York," said Rep. Katko. “I have worked closely with the U.S. Army Corps to advocate for this funding and appreciate their continued commitment to the Port and our region. Dredging in the navigation channel and harbor areas of Oswego Harbor will allow for increased traffic at the Port and will bolster our regional economy."
Oswego Harbor is an economic driver in Upstate New York, supporting 250,000 tons of product delivered to 7 internal commercial ports. The activities in Oswego Harbor generate $19 million in economic benefits and create a total of 209 jobs.
The practice of dredging is important for upholding acceptable water depths for the safe passage of commercial vessels. Oswego Harbor was last dredged in 2016, when 171,000 cubic yards of sediment material was removed from the channel floor. This upcoming dredging will maintain federally authorized depths throughout Oswego Harbor and the Oswego River channel.
Statement from William Scriber, Executive Director at Port of Oswego Authority:
"Port of Oswego Authority Executive Director, William W. Scriber, wants to express the ports thanks to Senator Charles Schumer and Congressman John Katko for all their help in securing funds for this year’s dredging of the Port of Oswego’s entrance and harbor.
The Port of Oswego has been actively advocating to have the normally scheduled harbor dredging to be moved up. Through many conversations over the past year with the Army Corp of Engineers, Senator Schumer and Congressman Katko, the port expressed the need for the timing of dredging of the ports harbor and entrance to be moved up to ensure continued and further growth of its commercial traffic. This dredging is vital for the Port of Oswego to continue to serve as an economic catalyst for all of Central New York. The Port of Oswego is the only port on Lake Ontario and the first U.S. port of call on the Great Lakes from the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Additionally, the port has been informed there will be additional work done on the west breakwall this year and the port is in negotiations with a contractor for this project, which will take place at the port."
