The US. Army Corps of Engineers is taking a step toward protecting the wetland ecosystem of Lake Erie.

The agency says more than $5 million will cover construction costs of a new stone breakwater at Buffalo’s Outer Harbor.

“This is just the first visible step of a project that will revive the natural aquatic habitat on Buffalo’s Outer Harbor,” said Lt. Col. Colby Krug, commander of the USACE Buffalo District. “I hope all fellow Buffalonians and visitors to the waterfront will join us in envisioning the positive impact this project will have on generations of people, plants, and wildlife.”

The plans for the project look to reverse decades of industrial development and hardening of the Outer Harbor shorelines, which have been harmful to fish and other species in the area.

The breakwater, which will be installed near the now-abandoned ship slip three, will connect to Lake Erie and create a new habitat.

“Under the leadership of the Army Corps Buffalo District, this project brings new life to the slip next to Wilkeson Pointe and continues to build on Buffalo’s waterfront revival,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “This is yet another example of how the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which saw funding boosted through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is directly benefiting Western New York.”

The Army Corps of Engineers says it will not only be beneficial for aquatic species, but also birds.

Construction is slated to start early this fall and will be finished in November.