(WASHINGTON) — In early April, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) released its navigation work plan for fiscal year 2026. The overall plan outlines resources that will be used for dredging, structure maintenance, and other priorities at every port in the United States.
The USACE Detroit District staff has since compiled a summary/funding analysis of Great Lakes provisions, which can be found here. The Great Lakes region will receive $516.47 million in navigation maintenance funding in FY2026 – an increase of more than $50 million (nearly 11 percent) over FY2025 levels. This continued growth reflects strong federal investment in the region’s ports and waterways.
Amounts shown in black are spending amounts originally proposed in the president’s FY2026 budget and approved by Congress. Amounts shown in red are “additional” funds, which Congress has generally provided the Corps of Engineers to distribute administratively at its discretion. While most of the Corps’ budget is often directed by Congress (line item-by-line item), Congress also continues to recognize the need to provide flexibility to the Corps based on its needs.
Harbor maintenance spending on the Great Lakes has grown considerably over the past decade. This has been the result of strong advocacy by the American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA) on Capitol Hill and with the administration for full use of Harbor Maintenance Tax revenue, spending down the surplus balance of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, making the case for the region, and the requirement that no less than 13 percent of annual expenditures go to Great Lakes port and navigation projects.
The AGLPA continues to actively advocate for policies and funding that ensure the region receives its fair share of these resources.
– American Great Lakes Ports Association
