Press Releases

Yesterday, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) and Congressman Fred Upton (MI-06) issued the following statements after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released their updated FY20 Work Plan that included funding for dredging Holland Harbor that was originally excluded from the FY20 budget.

“This is great news for Holland, Ottawa County, and West Michigan,” said Huizenga. “In 2018, over $117 million worth of goods were transported through Holland Harbor demonstrating its significant impact on the local economy. Ensuring the harbor is properly dredged will continue to support economic growth, opportunity, and job creation in Holland as well as communities across Ottawa, Allegan, and Kent Counties. I want to thank the Army Corps for working with Congressman Upton and me to continue to make Holland Harbor a priority.” 

“There’s no question about it – the Holland Harbor serves an important role in supporting hundreds of jobs and the overall well-being of west Michigan’s economy, and today’s news is a major victory for our community,” Upton said. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Army Corps, Rep. Huizenga, and the entire Great Lakes delegation to do all we can to ensure the Holland Harbor remains a source of economic growth, recreational tourism, and pride for west Michigan.”

In January, Huizenga and Upton sent multiple letters to the Army Corps detailing the significance of Holland Harbor and it’s economic impact on the community. The letter on January 9^th stressing the economic impact is available here The letter sent on January 31^st detailing how over 63,000 tons of stone have been brought in to protect against shoreline erosion is available here.