The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, will begin dredging Toledo Harbor this week - the largest annual dredging operation on the Great Lakes.
According to USACE, this year’s dredging of the harbor’s federal navigation channels will focus on specific portions of the Maumee River and lake channel and is part of a two-year contract totaling $11.1 million. The work ensures accessible depths for Great Lakes vessels, supporting more than $1 billion in annual economic impact from cargo, jobs, business revenue and labor income in the transportation sector.
“Maintaining the operation of ports like Toledo is a core part of our mission and essential to more than $1 billion in annual economic impact,” said Lt. Col. Aaron Anderson, commander of the Buffalo District. “As the largest single dredging operation on the Great Lakes, our work here does more than just clear a navigation channel – it sustains people’s livelihoods, supports their communities, and powers the regional and national economy.”
Dredging will focus on the full length of the Maumee River federal navigation channel, from the turning basin upstream to the mouth of the river at Maumee Bay. Work is scheduled to take place from October 2, 2026 through January 2027.
A total of approximately 750,000 cubic yards is contracted to be dredged and placed into confined disposal facilities operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority.