Through the Highway Bill, the House of Representatives is attempting to un-freeze funds from the Harbor Maintenance Fund.
The Administration has frozen these funds, which have historically been managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and have been used to dredge larger ports.
Late last week, several Senators crafted a letter urging the Senate to include funding to dredge smaller, seldom-used ports and harbors that fall below the threshold of the Corps.
“ Dredging of small ports, harbors, and channels is necessary for the economic vitality of many communities that are home to head boats, charter fishing businesses, marinas and recreational facilities, boating retail businesses, recreational boaters, and charter boat rental operations .” Marine Retailers Association of the Americas stated.
[mappress]
Dredging Today Staff, March 30, 2012;