Charleston Harbor Deepening Project

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hopes to start dredging the Charleston Harbor by December, according to a project manager.

The project still needs major funding in order to deepen the harbor to allow bigger barges to come through.

Before leaving office, President Obama signed a law (the Water Infrastructure Improvement for the Nation Act) which will make it easier to deepen Charleston Harbor. However, the new president Trump never specifically talked about ports.

The plan to deepen the harbor to 52 feet would make Charleston the deepest harbor on the east coast.Eastern ports are in a race to deepen to make room for bigger container ships. Bigger ships mean more money for our economy.

Right now construction all depends on the money. $300 million has been set aside from the state General Assembly, however leaders feel the bulk of the project should be funded by the federal government.Newsome estimates the total cost of the project at $509 million. Senator Graham said lawmakers are shooting for up to $300 million from the federal government.

Over the next few months the Corps of Engineers will focus on getting contracts prepared for the dredging process.The 20-mile entrance to the channel is where a bulk of the work will take place.The dredging in that area of the harbor is be done during a four-month period in the winter due to environmental factors.

The news is collated by ChinaRubberFender.com – Marine Fender Supplier