Two Rivers Faces Economic and Safety Risks from Delayed Harbor Dredging

City officials warn that the harbor's eroded depth could impact local businesses and pose navigation dangers

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:34am

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The harbor in Two Rivers, Wisconsin is in need of critical dredging, with its depth having eroded from the federally authorized 18 feet down to just 8-10 feet. City officials say the delay in dredging, which is typically done every 5 years but was last completed in 2020, is putting local businesses like the Susie Q fish market and charter fishing operations at risk. They warn of potential economic impacts and safety hazards if the dredging is not addressed soon.

Why it matters

The Two Rivers harbor is a vital economic engine for the city, supporting local businesses in the fishing, tourism, and maritime industries. The shallower depth poses serious navigational risks, with charter boats and trawlers already skimming the harbor bottom. Failure to dredge the harbor could lead to further economic decline and safety issues for the community.

The details

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for maintaining the 5,000-foot federally authorized harbor in Two Rivers, which should be 18 feet deep. However, the depth has eroded to just 8-10 feet, a problem that City Manager Kyle Kordell says needs to be addressed. The dredging is typically done every 5 years, but was last completed in 2020. The delay is due to federal budget priorities, and the city is now hoping Congress will approve funding for the $1-2 million project sometime in April.

  • The harbor was last dredged in 2020.
  • The city first announced a likely delay until 2028 on March 11, 2026.

The players

Kyle Kordell

The City Manager of Two Rivers, Wisconsin who is overseeing the efforts to secure funding for the harbor dredging project.

Matt Gates

Runs a fishing vessel for High Life Charters, one of the approximately 30 charter boat operations in Two Rivers that could be impacted by the harbor's shallower depth.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The federal agency responsible for maintaining the 5,000-foot federally authorized harbor in Two Rivers.

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What they’re saying

“We need to make sure the harbor stays open, not just for Susie Q, but for the charter fishing operations and for all the recreational boaters that come here to enjoy what we have to offer.”

— Kyle Kordell, City Manager

“You get into a swell coming in from the south and then where your props would hit the bottom and a lot of damage can happen. With our harbor being narrow the way it is, you can definitely see it could possibly spin me and put me on the rocks real bad.”

— Matt Gates, Fishing Vessel Operator

What’s next

The City Council of Two Rivers approved a three-year statement of intentions for harbor development on March 30, 2026. This includes applying for state Harbor Assistance Program grants to fund dredging, a breakwater extension, and sea wall reconstruction projects that could help address the harbor's issues.

The takeaway

The delayed dredging of the Two Rivers harbor poses significant economic and safety risks to the local community, underscoring the importance of federal funding and maintenance for critical maritime infrastructure. The city is taking proactive steps to secure additional state and federal support, but continued congressional pressure may be needed to move the project up the priority list.