USACE officials are studying plans to dredge Georgia’s portion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, according to gpb.org.
But as with another big dredging project, supporters don’t expect the big issue to be environmental.
The Corps spent 14 years studying the environmental impacts of the Savannah harbor deepening and recommended moving forward.
But it’s still Congress that pulls the purse strings and gives supporters the most concern.
Likewise, people who want the Intracoastal Waterway dredged, like Isle of Hope marina owner Charlie Waller , welcome the study but are skeptical much can happen without big federal spending.
“Although the study is necessary and a good idea and the Corps does a very good job in this area, unless they get a significant change in funding, probably a number of the more expensive parts of improving the waterway will sit on the shelf,” Waller says.
[mappress]
Dredging Today Staff, May 10, 2012; Image: usace