Kilmer Announces Increased Funding for Grays Harbor Maintenance
Today, the Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will invest $10.2 million this year in maintenance dredging related to the Port of Grays Harbor Navigational Channel. The Corps also announced that they have set aside $400,000 to further investigate deepening the federal navigation deep-draft channel in Grays Harbor. Rep. Derek Kilmer made the following statement in response to the announcement:
“I am pleased the Army Corps of Engineers recognizes the central role that the Port of Grays Harbor plays in not only supporting the regional economy but also the national economy by providing a premier export facility for American-made products. By dedicating these resources, the Corps is helping Grays Harbor to maintain its competitiveness and its ability to continue to meet the growing international demand for U.S. products,” Rep. Kilmer said. “These projects are high priorities for the region, and that’s why I have urged the Corps to fund and complete them in a timely manner.”
“We are pleased that the USACE recognizes the value that the Port of Grays Harbor provides the region and nation as a portal for international trade. The maintenance of the channel insures our current competitiveness while funding the Limited Re-Evaluation Report ensures our future ability to compete. We truly appreciate the leadership and advocacy Congressman Kilmer provides to our region as it is essential for creating and retaining jobs in Grays Harbor,” said Port of Grays Harbor Executive Director Gary Nelson.
Today, the Army Corps of Engineers removes an average of 1.2 million cubic yards of sediment each year from the federal navigation channel in Grays Harbor. The Port of Grays Harbor is seeking to have 14.5 miles of the 27.5-mile channel deepened from the current 36-feet depth to the fully authorized 38-feet depth.
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