Corps to dredge, repair La. waterways

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is planning to spend $205M in emergency funding to dredge and repair south Louisiana waterways, including the Atchafalaya, Calcasieu, and Mississippi rivers, the agency announced May 7. A portion of those monies are to be used for dredging the south end of Southwest Pass - the main navigation entry to the Mississippi River. Its depth had been reduced to 42 feet by sediment carried by this year's high-river conditions. That is three feet lower than authorized. Gulf-going ships using the channel have been forced to reduce cargo at a cost of several million dollars per vessel. The Southwest Pass segment is part of the Baton Rouge to Gulf of Mexico-Mississippi River project, which will receive $40M. (Source: NOLA.com 05/07/18)