On April 2, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Buffalo District released a statement announcing the award of a $9.1 million contract to Great Lakes Dock and Materials LLC., Muskegon, Mich., for critical repairs to the Oswego Harbor outer west breakwater on Lake Ontario. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2025 with completion expected by winter 2026.
The breakwater, which has withstood nearly a century of waves, storm damage, and natural deterioration, plays a key role in protecting Oswego Harbor—a deep-draft port that handled 381,000 tons of cargo in 2022, including cement, aluminum, and petroleum coke, USACE highlighted.
“This project will not only repair long-term damage and strengthen our breakwater, but it will also mean an influx of workers that positively benefits our local economy,” said Thomas Schneider, interim executive director of the Port of Oswego Authority. “We are very grateful for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ ongoing maintenance of Oswego Harbor that benefits commercial commerce, charter ship captains, and all those who benefit from the harbor and enjoy Lake Ontario and the Oswego River.”
USACE previously completed several phases of work on the harbor’s infrastructure, including repairs to 1,100’ of the West Arrowhead Breakwater’s lakeside in 2018 and 2019, the lighthouse foundation in 2023, and additional portions of the breakwater in fall 2024. This latest phase will reinforce the remaining sections of the outer west breakwater, further stabilizing the harbor for both commercial and recreational navigation.
“Oswego Harbor is a critical component of the Great Lakes Navigation System, supporting economic growth and strategic value to the nation,” said Lt. Col. Robert Burnham, commander of the USACE Buffalo District. “We look forward to delivering this project on time and within budget, ensuring Oswego’s waterfront continues serving the local community and the country.”
The repair work is fully federally funded and will be performed in a way that maintains access to the harbor, USACE said. While the federal navigation channel will remain open during construction, vessel operators are advised to exercise caution as contractor equipment may occupy parts of the channel.
The Port of Oswego contributes an estimated $26.8 million in business revenue annually, supporting over 100 jobs and generating $8.5 million in labor income for the transportation sector. Local stakeholders also noted the breakwater’s role in public safety and heritage preservation.
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, who has supported federal funding for the project, said the work is long overdue. “With work soon to be underway, the commercial and recreational boats that use this harbor can breathe a sigh of relief. This critical upgrade will help the Port of Oswego unleash the full potential of Oswego Harbor and add to the rising tide of parallel federal efforts on Lake Ontario,” Schumer said.
