Moolenaar Helps Secure Funding for Pentwater Dredging from Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced that it has allocated $2.2 million for operations and maintenance of the Pentwater Harbor in its Fiscal Year 2025 Work Plan. Congressman John Moolenaar has strongly advocated for the project.

"The Army Corps of Engineers FY25 Work Plan is wonderful news for our state, especially the communities like Pentwater on the shores of Lake Michigan. The Pentwater Harbor is a vital asset to the community, providing reliable access to Lake Michigan for thousands of residents and visitors. This crucial funding will help ensure the Pentwater channel is properly maintained to allow for continued access to the Pentwater Harbor. I will continue my work to advocate for communities across Michigan's Second Congressional District to receive vital funding," said Congressman Moolenaar.  

"We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Congressman John Moolenaar for his strong advocacy on behalf of Pentwater Harbor in Washington, D.C. that helped secure this funding and brought to light the importance of recreational harbors. We would also like to thank Senator John Bumstead and Representative Curt VanderWall, for their continued support and leadership at the state level," said Pentwater Village Manager, Rachel Witherspoon. "We also want to thank the Pentwater community for their unwavering dedication to the harbor. Your commitment, engagement, and persistent efforts to raise awareness about the importance of recreational harbors like ours have made a significant impact and helped bring national attention to our needs." 

Witherspoon continued, "The USACE has long been a valued partner to the Village of Pentwater, and we look forward to continuing that partnership as we move forward with this project in the coming months. Together, and with this investment, we will work toward ensuring that Pentwater Harbor remains a vital and vibrant part of our community for generations to come." 

"We are thankful for and appreciative of Representative Moolenaar's advocacy for the livelihood of the Pentwater Harbor. We provide world-class recreational opportunities for tens of thousands of locals and visitors each year to experience a classic "Pure Michigan" getaway. The health and viability of our channel is critical to our entire community. Rep. Moolenaar's recognition of our needs demonstrates his understanding of this vital resource to our quintessential Lake Michigan community. We are so thankful for this support," said Mary Marshall, Pentwater Village Council President. 

Currently, the Pentwater channel is at dangerously low water levels, risking damage to vessels attempting to navigating it which limits current access to the Pentwater Harbor. The dredging project would prevent a closure of the channel.