There still has been no movement on dredging in the St. Joseph River for the summer boating season this year.
Earlier this spring, Berrien County Community Development Director Dan Fette told county commissioners there are areas of the river, especially near the Tackle Haven docks and around the island, with shallow water due to shoaling. Marina owners were concerned the water would be too shallow for boats to pass this summer if dredging isn’t done.
The county sought a permit from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to conduct dredging, and Berrien County Administrator Brian Dissette told us Thursday the permit is still not approved. He said he believes EGLE is being as thorough with its review as possible to ensure all sides are satisfied.
Fette told us EGLE is complying with all requirements, but he’s confident a permit will come through. In the meantime, Fette said he’s heard the water level in the river has risen in recent months, meaning the need for dredging remains, but it’s not critical just yet.
While the county is securing the dredging permit, local boat and marina owners are being tasked with raising the money to pay for the operation. Nothing concrete in that effort has yet emerged. Nevertheless, Fette does believe dredging will still happen in the river this year.
