The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Buffalo District, has launched a major maintenance dredging project at Rocky River Harbor aimed at ensuring safe navigation for recreational boaters and other users along Lake Erie.

The Buffalo District awarded a $1.1 million contract to Toledo-based Geo Gradel in April 2026 to complete the work. Dredging operations began in late May and are expected to continue through August.

Crews will mechanically remove approximately 59,000 cubic yards of sediment from the harbor’s navigation channel. About 9,000 cubic yards of material will be placed in a designated open-lake placement area, while roughly 50,000 cubic yards will be deposited in a nearshore area east of the harbor.

Rocky River Harbor serves as an important access point between Rocky River and Lake Erie, supporting thousands of recreational boaters each year through public launch ramps, seasonal and transient dockage, and charter fishing operations that contribute to the regional economy.

The harbor includes six public launch ramps with parking capacity for approximately 190 trailers, along with seasonal and transient boat slips and charter fishing services.

Rocky River Harbor was last dredged in 2004, when approximately 18,400 cubic yards of material were removed. According to the Corps, the harbor generally requires dredging every five to 10 years depending on sediment buildup, funding availability and federal navigation priorities.

Authorized depths in the harbor range from 6 to 10 feet, with the deepest sections located in the entrance channel. Maintaining these depths helps ensure safe and efficient movement for recreational vessels.

All sediment removed from the harbor is tested in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Ohio environmental agencies to ensure it meets environmental standards for placement.

Feature photo by Andre’ M. Hampton