Muskegon Harbor Dredging Scheduled to Begin Late April to Mid May

April 13, 2026

King Company, working on behalf of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will begin dredging the Muskegon Harbor entrance starting as early as April or May of 2026. The work is expected to continue for several weeks depending on weather conditions. More specific dates will be posted on social media as the timeline is finalized.

Dredging is a routine operation that helps maintain safe navigation for vessels entering and exiting the harbor. This year’s project includes a similar placement of dredged materials (spoils) as was completed last year. In the past, spoils were deposited on the beach; however, in 2025 and again in 2026, they will be placed underwater approximately a couple hundred feet off the shoreline, in front of the new restroom building at Pere Marquette and extending south toward the curve.

The material will be discharged in water depths ranging from 4 to 12 feet, allowing natural wave action to redistribute it along the shoreline over time. There is no anticipated impact to public beach use or city operations, but the city is sharing this information in case beachgoers or residents have questions.

Last year, Central Dispatch received multiple calls from community members who believed the dredging equipment operating in the harbor was a capsized boat. To help prevent confusion this season, we are sharing photos of last year’s dredging process to help educate residents and the boating community about what the work looks like in practice. Please help spread the word so others can recognize the equipment. However, please do not hesitate to call 911 in the case of an emergency.