ARRA: Corps of Engineers uses Recovery Act funds to dredge James River

By Jerry Rogers, USACE Norfolk DistrictAugust 27, 2009

James River Dredging
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

NORFOLK, VA. - Maintenance dredging of four of the nine critical shoals on the James River began July 14 under a $2.99 million contract awarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District. Project funding is part of the approximately $27 million that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 designated for Norfolk District's civil works projects throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Cottrell Contracting of Chesapeake, Va., is dredging the James River Federal Navigation Channel to ensure deep-draft vessels can navigate the river in a safe and unrestricted manner. Work is set for completion in February 2010.

The James River is the nation's oldest transportation route for commerce. The navigation project provides approximately 85 miles of deep-draft channels, maintained at a depth of 25 feet from Hampton Roads to Richmond, Va. More than 5 million tons of cargo a year has moved on the James River over the last five years.

"The Recovery Act funds for civil works enables Norfolk District to complete these types of 'shovel ready' projects that will benefit our state and the nation for years to come," said Col. Andrew Backus, Norfolk District's commander.

The work is being done as a task order under a three-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, which streamlines the process and gets a dredge to remove a critical shoal quickly.

"The project includes nine major shoals, some of which require dredging twice annually and some only once a decade," explained Project Manager Stephen J. Powell. "Recent budget constraints meant that the Corps could dredge only the most critical shoals, sometimes requiring other shoaling to go unmaintained. This could one day lead to restrictions on deep-draft shipping along the river. A fully maintained navigation channel will ensure ships are able to move commerce in a safe, efficient and economical manner."

President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on Feb. 17, 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart the U.S. economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a address long-neglected challenges so the country can thrive in the 21st century.

With more than $14 million in contracts awarded, Norfolk District continues to use Recovery Act funds to meet current Administration initiatives, which will increase job opportunities and spur the recovery of our nation's economy.

Related Links:

Army.mil/USACE Home

Port of Richmond

US Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District

HQ US Army Corps of Engineers