Grand Haven, MI (WGHN) – Leaders in the community are sounding the alarm on dredging this year as city officials signed a letter to Governor Whitmer.
Here is a copy of the letter below:
Governor Gretchen Whitmer May 8, 2025
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing, MI 48909
Dear Governor Whitmer,
We are writing today on behalf of the communities of Grand Haven, Ferrysburg, Spring Lake, and Spring Lake Village, to request your attention and assistance in resolving the delayed approvals for dredging in the Grand Haven Inner Harbor. You have received correspondence on our behalf from Congresswoman Hillary Scholten, Congressman Bill Huizenga, State Senator Roger Victory, and State Representatives Luke Meerman and Greg VanWoerkom, and others. We have engaged with our representatives to help find a solution to the delays in the dredging of the Grand Haven Inner Harbor; they have been outstanding advocates for our communities.
These officials have noted and conveyed our assessment of the serious economic consequences to our communities and to the larger West Michigan region resulting from continuing delays in approvals to dredge our Inner Harbor. We wish to underscore the message that, without a timely resolution, this major port cannot be maintained, and our local economy may be significantly harmed. We are appealing for your assistance to expedite the process. Others have already articulated the details and urgency for action on this matter, better than we can in this brief letter. However, we speak directly for our people, those most affected by the delays. Thank you for listening and for helping us navigate this process.
The letter is signed by District 10 County Commissioner Josh Brugger, Grand Haven Mayor Bob Monetza, Ferrysburg Mayor Richard Carlson, Spring Lake Township Supervisor Jerry Rabideau and Spring Lake Village President Mark Powers.
Grand Haven’s inner harbor will not undergo its scheduled dredging this year because of PFAS testing issued by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. The harbor generates an estimated $88.8 million in business revenue and supports 456 jobs. The dredging process involves removing debris from the bottom of the 23-foot-deep Grand River. Water testing for PFAS by the US Army Corps of Engineers has paused these operations, raising concerns about future economic impacts.
Since the issue was first raised, Rep. Hillary Scholten has kept local officials informed and continues to advocate for a timely, environmentally responsible solution.
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