According to The Miami Herald, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has issued a permit that will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge and deepen in and around Government Cut by up to 50 feet.
The project will be put out for bids this summer, with construction expected to begin in early 2013.
Port expansion advocates argue the greater depth will allow Miami Port to be more competitive by accommodating larger vessels that are expected to make use of the new and wider Panama Canal when that project is completed some time next year.
“The deep dredge is critical to our future growth ,” Port of Miami Director Bill Johnson said. “ Port of Miami will be one of only three U.S. Atlantic ports to be at [minus] 50 feet when the expanded Panama Canal opens.”
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Dredging Today Staff, May 25, 2012;