August 30, 2025

Harbor Dredging

The City continues to monitor sediment buildup in the Two Rivers harbor. Records show the 2018 dredging project cost about $1.1 million. Recent U.S. Army Corps of Engineers surveys now estimate nearly 35,000 cubic yards of material needing removal—almost double the estimate from 2024.

Sediment is pushing further into the harbor, with depths at the entrance as shallow as 8 feet, creating navigation challenges.

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Unfortunately, federal funding cuts have delayed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredging efforts. This has forced the City to begin considering whether local resources may need to be used for projects that are typically the responsibility of the federal government.

City staff are actively requesting support from the State and continuing to press the Corps of Engineers to prioritize dredging at our harbor.

Proposed Sewer Rate Increase

The City of Two Rivers is analyzing a proposed sanitary sewer user rate increase to ensure the financial health of the Sewer Utility, which is not supported by property taxes.

Inflationary costs for major projects like the Harbor/Emmett Street investments, sanitary lateral replacements, increasing operating expenses for electricity, chemicals, and maintenance, and strict State requirements for loan coverage have created a projected shortfall of about $283,000 over the next two years. Sewer rates have only seen modest increases over the past decade, leaving utility revenues behind today’s high inflationary environment.

To close this gap, the City is moving towards rate adjustments in 2026, along with a modification to the billing methodology, so all customers share a more equal share of the burden, including commercial, industrial, and residential. lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

For the average homeowner, that means a modest increase in the monthly bill, depending upon water usage, from about $46.85 today to between $48 and $52 next year. These changes will keep the system sustainable, protect access to critical State funding, and ensure that Two Rivers continues to invest in safe, reliable sewer and wastewater infrastructure for our neighborhoods.

Coming Soon: Taco Bell

Work has begun at the future site of Taco Bell at 1803 Washington Street, with electric and water services now disconnected and demolition work beginning.

This private sector investment into Main Street will not only bring another dining option, but will create jobs and help build the commercial tax base in the downtown core.

How New Businesses Come to Two Rivers

One of the most common questions we hear is: “Why doesn’t the City bring in a certain restaurant or store?”

It’s important to know that City Hall doesn’t decide what businesses open in Two Rivers. New development is driven by the private sector and the free market. That means restaurant chains, retailers, and local entrepreneurs make their own choices about where to invest based on factors like customer demand, available sites, and financial feasibility.



The City’s role is to create the right conditions for success: maintaining strong infrastructure, keeping zoning and permitting clear and efficient, supporting redevelopment of vacant sites, and promoting Two Rivers as a great place to live, visit, and invest. But at the end of the day, it’s the business owners—not City Hall—who decide where and when to open.

Myth: City Hall decides which restaurants and stores open in town.

Fact: Businesses open in Two Rivers because private owners and companies choose to invest here. They decide based on things like market demand, site availability, and their own business plans.

Myth: If the City wanted a certain chain, it could just make it happen.

Fact: The City can’t hand-pick or recruit specific restaurants or stores. What City Hall can do is make sure our zoning and permitting are clear, our infrastructure is strong, and our community is welcoming for investment opportunities.

Myth: Nothing is being done to attract new options.

Fact: The City actively promotes redevelopment of vacant properties, supports small business growth, and works with developers to highlight why Two Rivers is a great place to invest. But the final decision always rests with the business.

Upcoming Events

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Ethnic Fest, A Celebration of Community

Two Rivers’ signature fall tradition, Ethnic Fest, returns on Saturday, September 20, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM in Downtown Two Rivers, as Washington Street transforms into a celebration of culture, community, and connection.

This free, family-friendly festival showcases the music, dance, food, and traditions of cultures from around the world. Enjoy live performances on multiple stages, explore cultural exhibits, shop unique arts and crafts, and savor authentic dishes from a variety of vendors.

From high-energy music to colorful dance, Ethnic Fest brings together the rich diversity of our community for a day of learning, fun, and festivity.

Where: Downtown Two Rivers – Washington Street

When: Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Cost: Free admission

Bring your family, bring your friends, and bring your curiosity—it’s a day to celebrate what makes our world, and our community, so beautifully diverse. Don’t miss one of Two Rivers’ most beloved traditions!

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