The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Corps of Engineers repairing harbor breakwall in Lorain
The Port of Lorain will get repairs to the outer breakwalls that shelter the harbor from the rough waves of Lake Erie.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Buffalo District is overseeing repairs that started May 12 on breakwater.
Contractor Great Lakes Dock and Materials LLC, from Muskegon, Mich., will complete the 2017 cell repair, consisting of a 50-linear-foot void with a stone base and vertical sheet pile on top. A cell of the Lorain breakwater was removed in 2017 due to it falling in disrepair, according to the Corps.
Additionally, any remaining cracks will be repaired and solar-powered lights will be added across both sides of the entire breakwater, according to plans.
“I’m pleased to see that the Army Corps of Engineers will commence work on the Lorain breakwater, which has been in desperate need of repairs for years,” said Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo.
“A breakwater is the first line of defense against the turbulent tides of Lake Erie for many of our lakefront communities,” said
Kaptur, whose coastal 9th House District includes Lorain. “As we face the reality of rising lake levels, diligence is required to insure the safety and navigability of many harbors in the Great Lakes region.
“I appreciate the Army Corps of Engineers’ partnership and attention to this important investment for the City of Lorain and its commercial and recreational harbor users and look forward to future efforts that have a direct, substantive effect on our lake front communities,” she said.
The $2.1 million contract was awarded to Great
Lakes Dock and Materials in September. The repairs are anticipated for completion by the end of the 2020 construction season.
“The Corps is continually looking for ways to work collaboratively with stakeholders on all of Lake Erie’s harbors,” said Russ Brandenburg, USACE Buffalo District senior project manager.
“The Lorain Harbor repair is a perfect example of how our strong collaboration with the Port of Lorain has resulted in positive benefits through infrastructure improvements for Lake Erie and the public that use it.”