Construction resumes targeting repairs along Oswego Harbor breakwater

OSWEGO, N.Y. — Construction has resumed on a project to repair the Oswego Harbor west arrowhead breakwater.

The Buffalo district of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and its contractor, Great Lakes Dock & Materials LLC of Michigan, are handling the job, per the USACE announcement.

Repairs to the west arrowhead breakwater “ensure Oswego Harbor’s viability and contributions” to the local and national economy and “protect the future of some of the area’s best waterfront historical, educational, and recreation opportunities,” USACE said.

The $9 million project is 100 percent federally funded, it noted.

Construction between mid-July and October is focusing on the remaining lighthouse foundation and lakeside and middle portions of the breakwater.

“Oswego Harbor is a critical component of the Great Lakes Navigation System, supporting economic growth and strategic value to the nation,” Lt. Col. Robert Burnham, commander of the USACE Buffalo district, said in the announcement. “We look forward to delivering this project on time and within budget, ensuring Oswego’s waterfront continues serving the local community and the country.”

Work is being conducted by marine barges. Commercial and recreational marine traffic will not be obstructed, but vessels “should exercise caution” when navigating near the breakwater, USACE said.

“This $9 million federal boost will fund critical repairs to the West Arrowhead Breakwater, ensuring the port in Oswego Harbor is protected and operating at full capacity,” U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) said in the USACE announcement. “Now, the Oswego breakwater can dive into construction this summer, leading to more jobs and better service throughout the harbor’s transportation ecosystem. I am proud to have delivered this federal funding to enhance Oswego Harbor and keep its economic engine strong for generations to come.”

USACE previously completed repairs to 1,100 feet of the west arrowhead breakwater’s lake side in 2018 and 2019, and the lighthouse foundation in 2023. Those portions will not require additional repairs during the current project.

Crews are conducting repairs to the remainder of the west arrowhead breakwater under a separate contract, with work continuing through summer 2025. Repairs to Oswego’s outer west breakwater are planned for 2025, USACE said.

“Oswego Harbor is the largest commercial harbor in New York state on Lake Ontario and has four operating businesses including the Port of Oswego Authority. This project is an investment in business and job growth in Central New York, including local farmers who depend on the port as their connection to internal export markets,” William Scriber, executive director and CEO of the Port of Oswego Authority, said in the USACE announcement.