Ecological Breakwater project

The Ecological Breakwater project, originating from the Waterfront Innovations Design Charrette
convened by Milwaukee Harbor District and the City of Milwaukee in 2015, is a significant opportunity
to explore enhancing the structure that protects Port Milwaukee and other infrastructure in
Milwaukee Harbor.

The goal of the project is to find ways to augment the existing breakwater that
will provide greater protection to critical Port infrastructure and also build habitat for fish and
migratory birds. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District is responsible for maintaining
breakwater systems around the Great Lakes region. Harbor District’s vision for the Ecological
Breakwater is to explore the possibilities for integrating protection of coastal assets with habitat
improvements, a model that can be replicated throughout the Great Lakes.

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded funding to Harbor District for the first phase of design
and engineering in 2023. This work involves developing conceptual alternatives to meet project goals
and modeling coastal dynamics to ensure the resilience of the project. It will be complete in spring of
2026. Harbor District worked with partners at Wisconsin DNR, Port Milwaukee, and US Army Corps of
Engineers throughout the project.