Congressman Tom Reed announced a major dredging project Monday in Chautauqua County at Barcelona Harbor in Westfield.
The dredging, getting underway shortly, will help to mitigate flood risks and improve overall harbor operations from boat mobility to recreation opportunities. Reed gathered at Barcelona Harbor Monday alongside Lake Erie Management Commission Member Doug Richmond, Assemblyman Andy Goodell, Westfield Town Supervisor Martha Bills, Lake Erie Management Commission Chair & County Legislator George Borrello, County Watershed Coordinator Dave McCoy, and Exec. Director of Westfield Development Corp Aaron Resnick to unveil the dredging project.
“ After successful teamwork here in Chautauqua County, I’m so pleased to announce this critical dredging project is moving forward, ” Reed said. “ The project means that local jobs, recreation, tourism and overall quality of life will not only be maintained, but improved. The area is getting the fair attention it deserves and we’re putting the federal funding we secured to use to care for a harbor that is a central part of this community .”
Reed worked with local stakeholders to secure the federal funding needed to dredge the harbor and make infrastructure investments.
Reed said the dredging will reduce flood risks and mitigate threats to public safety with infrastructure improvements. Failure to dredge the harbor will result in continued shoaling and reduce channel dimensions, potentially threatening recreational use and raising safety concerns.
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Press Release, July 22, 2014