The Corps of Engineers has announced it will spend nearly $15 million on dredging and breakwater modifications at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor.

The state will contribute an additional $2.4 million toward the project cost.

One benefit: Once the project is completed, boaters won't have to surf waves over a shallow sandbar as they enter the harbor.

"The Corps will eliminate dangerous break wave conditions within the entrance channel, and will permit the safe passage of vessels entering the harbor basin," said U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye.

Harbor users include local boaters as well as commercial tour operators.