Harbormaster: Commercial boats can no longer access St. Joseph Harbor

SAINT JOSEPH, Mich. - Saint Joseph Harbormaster Larry LaValley said Thursday commercial boats can no longer navigate the Saint Joseph Harbor. A buildup of sand is too high for ships to enter the channel. "It's highly unlikely a boat could ever come through with this amount of water," said LaValley.
Many commercial docks feel that the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund should pay for dredging. Everytime a ship docks, taxes and fees are paid. That money enters the fund which currently sits at $6 billion in federal bonds. in 2010 the fund collected more than $1 billion. The fund could be used if congress would allow it.
"Let’s be factual, if this situation continues to degenerate, it isn't going to be long when recreation vessels will no longer be able to use this river," said LaValley.