Press Releases
Huizenga, Upton Advocate for US Army Corps to Dredge Holland Harbor
Washington,
January 9, 2020
Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) and Congressman Fred Upton (MI-06) sent a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers advocating and encouraging the Corps to include Holland Harbor in the 2020 work plan. In the letter the Congressmen discuss the significance and economic importance of Holland Harbor as well as how Congress approved funding above the expected level for dredging and infrastructure maintenance. A quote from Congressman Huizenga as well as the text of the letter sent by Huizenga and Upton are available below. A signed copy of the letter in PDF form is available here. “Holland Harbor plays a key role in Holland, Ottawa County, and West Michigan’s economy,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “With Congress authorizing additional funding for the Army Corps of Engineers to maintain water infrastructure, adding Holland Harbor to the 2020 work plan would be a strong investment to ensure economic growth and opportunity reach their full potential here in West Michigan.”
January 9, 2020
Lieutenant General Todd T. Semonite Chief of Engineers and Commanding General U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 441 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20314
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. Sincerely,
______________________________ ______________________________ Bill Huizenga Fred Upton
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