Rep. Scholten Calls for Immediate Action to Prevent Costly Delays in Grand Haven Dredging Project

WASHINGTON – After months of ongoing communication with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and the Governor’s office, U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI03) called on the Governor and EGLE’s director to prevent costly delays in the dredging of Grand Haven’s Inner Harbor—a project critical to West Michigan’s economy.

“We’ve been working for months to protect Grand Haven’s necessary dredging schedule, but we’re now at a tipping point,” said Rep. Scholten. “This isn’t just a bureaucratic delay—it’s a potential economic crisis for West Michigan. I’m urging the state to act now so we don’t lose out on critical federal funding, drive up costs for Michigan families, and risk Grand Haven becoming unnavigable. We can protect our Great Lakes and our local economy at the same time, but only if we act quickly and collaboratively.”

Scholten has been actively working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Whitmer Administration, and EGLE since January to prevent delays to the project. While the USACE has funds and a dredging plan ready to go, they require final sediment disposal standards from EGLE before they can proceed. EGLE finalized draft sediment guidance on April 8—just weeks before the dredging cycle was set to begin.

Scholten pressed the Whitmer Administration and EGLE to pursue immediate solutions, including the possibility of a one-time permit or temporary extension that would allow dredging to proceed while broader PFAS disposal standards are finalized.

A delay threatens serious consequences: Grand Haven’s harbor supports over 450 jobs and generates $88.8 million annually in regional economic impact. A missed dredging cycle could increase shipping costs by 25 to 30%, disrupt road and agricultural supply chains across Michigan, and result in an estimated $3 to 5 million in additional costs that could ultimately fall on consumers.

The dredging of Grand Haven’s Inner Harbor is also vital for delivering aggregate materials used in construction and agriculture across the state. Without dredging, nearly 2 million tons of materials may go undelivered this year, creating ripple effects across industries and potentially overwhelming nearby harbors unequipped to handle the volume. Efficient transportation of road-building materials is critical to meeting the Whitmer Administration’s road repair goals. Ensuring reliable cargo shipping channels will help support ongoing construction efforts and keep projects on track—an area of shared concern and commitment. 

In the letter, Scholten acknowledged the dangers of forever chemicals on the Great Lakes and supports the need for thoughtful standards to guide their management. She also stressed the importance of moving forward in a timely and pragmatic way that safeguards water quality without stalling critical infrastructure and economic projects.

Since the issue was first raised, Rep. Scholten has kept local officials informed and continues to advocate for a timely, environmentally responsible solution that keeps Grand Haven’s harbor open for business and ensures public health protections remain in place. 

Full text is available at the link here.

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