Barcelona dredging set to start next spring | News, Sports, Jobs

Dredging work will begin in May in the port of Barcelona, ​​the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced.

BARCELONA — As waves crash and pulverize barriers when the wind blows through this harbor, the docked boats and the boat ramp remain intact. Still, the constantly rough Lake Erie poses a challenge to the communities and boaters who use its waters.

Further relief measures are on the way.

On Thursday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, awarded a $1.5 million contract this month to Michigan-based Ryba Marine Construction Co. to dredge the federal shipping channel in the Port of Barcelona starting next May.

Dredging ports like Barcelona ensures accessible depths for ships navigating the Great Lakes and enables recreational boating that generates more than $1.6 billion in commercial and labor income for the transportation sector.

“The Port of Barcelona is a vital part of the Great Lakes navigation system, supporting local economic growth and providing a safe haven for vessels on Lake Erie,” said Lt. Col. Robert Burnham, USACE Buffalo District commander. “We look forward to completing this project on time and on budget, ensuring that the Barcelona waterfront continues to serve the local community and the nation.”

Federal officials in the region welcomed the planned work.

“With this contract award, we are moving forward to repair and transform Barcelona Harbor. For years, sediment buildup has threatened this true jewel and the beating heart of Chautauqua County’s recreation, outdoor and tourism economy. As Senate Captain and one of Chautauqua County’s strongest voices in Washington, I promised to provide the funding to help us navigate these rough waters, and over the past two years, I have helped secure $8.5 million to help Barcelona Harbor set a course for a brighter future,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “With construction now underway, our businesses, boaters and families who use this harbor each summer can breathe a sigh of relief. This will allow the harbor to reach its full potential, and I will continue to fight to provide all the resources we need to protect Chautauqua’s recreation and tourism economy and continue to grow for years to come.”

The dredging work will focus on the mouth of the harbour and will aim to eliminate the shoals that currently hamper navigation. The work is expected to take place from mid-May to early July 2025.

“The Port of Barcelona is vital to our local economy, and this critical dredging project ensures it remains a hub for local commerce, tourism, and recreation. I am proud to support this effort to restore safe access to the port and will continue to advocate for federal investment in its long-term maintenance,” said U.S. Representative Nick Langworthy (NY-23). ​​“I want to thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for their collaboration and commitment to preserving this local gem for generations to come.”

In total, approximately 48,000 cubic yards of material are to be dredged and placed in a permitted placement area on an open lake approximately three miles north of the Barcelona Harbor Lighthouse on Lake Erie.

“We are very pleased to see this project moving forward before the busy summer season begins and are grateful for the continued support of our federal partners who recognize the importance of a safe and functioning port to the economy of our community and the region,” said Town of Westfield Supervisor Martha Bills.

Dredging of the Port of Barcelona is conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers on an infrequent basis, based on need and availability of funds. Funding for the port and the award of this contract was provided by Congress in fiscal year 2024. The port was last dredged in 2023, with 65,000 cubic yards of sediment removed.

The Port of Barcelona is a shallow draft port located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie. Recreational boating facilitated by the port generates $1.2 million in commercial revenue, seven direct, indirect and induced jobs and $439,000 in labor income for the transportation sector.

USACE’s operation, maintenance and dredging of ports like Barcelona are essential to the economies of New York, the Great Lakes region and the United States.

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