The city of Benton Harbor will contribute to the dredging effort on the St. Joseph River.

The county has undertaken the effort to ensure that recreational boating will be possible in the river this summer.

WSJM reports that there is a buildup of sand in the river, especially around the Tackle Haven docks and the south end of the island.

The cost of the permit is being covered by the city of St. Joseph, St. Joseph Township, and Berrien County.

Benton Harbor City Commissioners voted this week to contribute to that effort, to the tune of $10,000 in federal ARPA funds.