Kaptur Announces Critical Repairs to Vermilion Harbor PiersPress ReleaseTradeJobs and the Economy

Toledo, Ohio - Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced the commencement of vital repairs to the Vermilion Harbor West Pier, a key infrastructure project that will bolster the local economy and ensure safe access for boaters on Lake Erie.

"The repair of the Vermilion Harbor West Pier represents a historic investment in our region's infrastructure," said Congresswoman Kaptur (OH-09). "This project will not only enhance safety for inter-lake and international trade but also protect our precious Lake Erie. A thriving Lake Erie is essential for the prosperity of Northwest Ohio and the entire Great Lakes Region. I am proud to have secured the necessary funding to support the US Army Corps of Engineers in this critical endeavor, and I look forward to the completion of these improvements."

The project, undertaken by the US Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District in partnership with Chicago-based Architectural Consulting Group, Ltd., began on August 12, 2024. It involves repairs to approximately 400 feet of the pier along Wakefield MetroPark, including the installation of a new retaining wall. The $6.3 Million project, fully funded by federal resources, is slated for completion this fall.

"The City of Vermilion is deeply grateful for the Army Corps of Engineers' work and Congresswoman Kaptur's unwavering support," said Jim Forthofer, Mayor of Vermilion. "Our small city alone could never have managed such a significant rehabilitation of our harbor infrastructure."

Melissa Price, Executive Director of Erie MetroParks, echoed this sentiment, stating, "We are excited to see these repairs to the southern portion of the Vermilion Harbor Pier. Once completed, Erie MetroParks will move forward with Phase III of our beach revitalization project in 2025, enhancing the area with new paths, native plantings, and additional seating."

Lt. Col. Robert Burnham, Commander of the USACE Buffalo District, emphasized the importance of this project: "Maintaining safe navigation on Lake Erie and ensuring the viability of Vermilion Harbor for both local and regional economies is among our top priorities. Our strong partnerships with local, state, and federal leaders have made it possible to deliver this project on time, within budget, and effectively."

This repair work follows a successful dredging of the Vermilion River federal navigation channel by the USACE in July 2024. It builds on the $1.2 Million repairs completed in 2023 to 900 feet of the west pier from the beach to the north wrap.

Vermilion Harbor, located 37 miles west of Cleveland and 21 miles east of Sandusky, is a small-craft harbor with significant historical importance, originally constructed in 1836. Today, it plays a crucial role in the local economy, generating approximately $6.9 Million in annual revenue and supporting 44.5 full-time equivalent jobs.

Congresswoman Kaptur remains committed to securing further investments in the Great Lakes and supporting the coastal communities that depend on these critical waterways.

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