The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced yesterday a $5.3 million contract award for dredging the Rogue River at Gold Beach, Ore.
USACE maintains navigation channels along the Oregon coast and dredging is an important component of keeping the Rogue River Harbor open for recreational vessels, including jet boats, fishing guides and sport fishermen.
Corps staff anticipates starting dredging Jun. 1 – Oct. 31, depending on weather.
“Annual maintenance dredging is critical for Gold Beach access,” said Greg Speer , Oregon Coast project manager. “We understand this can have impacts to the fishing industry, so we want to communicate as early as possible that this dredging will be happening this year.”
As reported, American Construction won the bid and will be doing all dredging in this area this year.
Rogue River dredging at Gold Beach usually occurs on an annual basis for the entrance channel; however, the Corps’ Dredge YAQUINA hasn’t been able to dredge for a few years. Excessive infill of sediment at the entrance has prevented safe access for this large vessel.
American Construction will also dredge a gravel bar to help reduce the material that blocks the entrance to the boat basin.
The Corps anticipates removing up to 200,000 cubic yards of material. The contractor will place the material it removes from this project in the Corps’ ocean disposal site, off-shore.