New York Construction Report staff writer
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District has awarded a $14.9 million construction contract to Michigan-based Dean Marine and Excavating for major repairs to the Oswego Harbor west and east breakwaters, with work expected to begin this summer.
The contract, awarded April 30, covers repairs to 425 feet of the East Arrowhead Breakwater and 307 feet of the Outer West Breakwater, marking the next phase of a multi-year infrastructure rehabilitation effort aimed at strengthening coastal resilience along Lake Ontario.
Officials said the work is part of more than $50 million in federally funded and planned improvements to Oswego Harbor’s breakwater system, which has suffered significant deterioration from storms and wave action over more than 90 years.
“The Great Lakes are a vital waterborne transportation and commerce system that connects American communities to our inland system and to the world,” said Adam Telle. “‘Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork’ recognizes the importance of this system and refocuses our enterprise on delivery, and today we are delivering for Oswego and the surrounding region.”
Oswego Harbor plays a key role in the Great Lakes navigation system, supporting commercial shipping and regional industry. The harbor handled 372,000 tons of cargo in 2023, including cement and concrete, aluminum and distillate fuel oil.
“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. “Our streamlined approach to delivering this project eliminates unnecessary administrative steps, allowing our team to focus on engineering excellence and timely project completion for Oswego, the Great Lakes, and the nation.”
The newly awarded work is part of a phased rehabilitation plan. A separate $9.1 million contract awarded in 2025 covers phase one, which will repair 600 feet of the Outer West Breakwater and is scheduled to begin this summer with completion expected by winter 2026.
A third phase is already funded and will extend repairs to additional sections of both the East Arrowhead and Outer West breakwaters, with construction targeted to begin in 2027.
Combined, the three phases will address more than 1,330 feet of critical navigation infrastructure designed to protect vessel access to the harbor and ensure safe passage on Lake Ontario.
During construction, the federal navigation channel will remain open, though contractors may have equipment positioned within parts of the channel. Officials are urging commercial and recreational vessel operators to proceed with caution near active work zones.
Long-term funding is expected to stabilize deteriorating shoreline structures and maintain reliable shipping access, which supports millions of dollars in annual economic activity tied to the harbor and surrounding region.
