Dredging Contractors of America

WRDA 2024 Clears U.S. House Last evening, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA), H.R. 8812, was overwhelmingly approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, by a vote of 359 to 13. The Dredging Contractors of America applauds this overwhelming bipartisan passage of WRDA 2024 in the U.S. House. It is an outstanding accomplishment and a win for the United States of America, said William Doyle, Chief Executive Officer of Dredging Contractors of America. Doyle continued, "Congress has kept on track reauthorizing WRDA every two years, and this year will be no different. WRDA helps put Americans to work on family sustaining infrastructure projects that advance waterborne commerce through our seaports and gateways; dredging navigable waterways for our country’s energy independence and security; renourish the nation’s shorelines; and protect coastal communities by rebuilding barrier islands through the beneficial use of dredged material." WRDA authorizes the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Civil Works Program for projects to improve the nation’s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other aspects of our water resources infrastructure. These are locally-driven projects that also deliver regional and national benefits for strengthening the nation’s global competitiveness and supply chain, growing the economy, moving goods throughout the country, protecting communities from flooding, and more. H.R. 8812 was introduced in the House by T&I Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), T&I Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC), and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Grace Napolitano (D-CA).

Baton Rouge, Louisiana: The US Army Corps of Engineers will utilize approximately 9,000 acres of the benefitted wetlands as swamp mitigation for the West Shore Lake Pontchartrain project, a 18.5-mile comprehensive levee system and joint effort of CPRA, USACE, the Pontchartrain Levee District, and St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, and St. James parishes. “This project represents a historic collaboration between CPRA and the USACE, showcasing our shared commitment to innovative and effective environmental restoration,” said CPRA Executive Director Glenn Ledet, Jr. “Groundbreaking partnerships have allowed us to maximize resources, saving time and money and setting a new standard for future environmental restoration efforts,” said CPRA Chairman Gordon “Gordy Dove. The cost to construct the Maurepas project in its entirety is valued at over $300 million and will utilize $190 million in funds from fines associated with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill as well as other state only funds. https://lnkd.in/eNffZN6Y

The dredging is needed so that Great Lakes freighters — some over 600 feet long — can enter and exit the river channel from Lake Michigan to Manistee Lake just over a mile inland. https://lnkd.in/evqawf8a

#Dredging and marine construction supporting national security at the US Navy’s Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach. On the job is Manson Construction Co. 🇺🇸

Marinex Construction competes and wins Savannah, GA dredging work from Army. https://lnkd.in/eVsJbrEF

The U.S. Army has picked Maj. General William H. "Butch" Graham Jr. to be its next Chief of Engineers and commanding general of the US Army Corps of Engineers. William P. Doyle, CEO of the Dredging Contractors of America praised the selection of General Graham, stating, "General Butch Graham is a great American, he is an outstanding leader, and will bring exceptional experience as well as continuity to this role. Doyle continued, "He knows what he is doing and understands the importance of partnering with the dredging, marine construction and all private sector industries.” General Graham currently is Deputy Chief of Engineers and Commanding General for civil works and emergency operations. He’s had a distinguished career stateside and overseas supporting our troops as Director of the Coalition-Joint Engineering Directorate in the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan. https://lnkd.in/eEpwTX97

The DCA and American Waterways Operators are supporting California AB 1122. On July 3, 2024, the bill passed the Environmental Quality Committee unanimously (7-0). The final steps ahead are its approval in Appropriations and then the entore assembly needs to vote on it. As reported in DredgeWire … https://lnkd.in/eFf4VwWz

Congratulations to our CEO Travis Boone on being honored as one the region’s Most Admired CEOs by Houston Business Journal! In less than 2 years under Travis’ leadership, our backlog has nearly doubled, our pipeline has grown and our business has been transformed. We applaud all the 2024 honorees and we look forward to celebrating this recognition at the August 30th awards luncheon. Read more about how the winners were selected in The Houston Business Journal. https://lnkd.in/gBzRGgcA #mostadmiredceos #houston #leadership #oneorion #predictableexcellence

The American dredging and marine construction industry is deeply concerned by California Air Resources Board’s (CARB’s) unfeasible and unsafe mandate to require operators to replace engines before their end-of- life and mandate the use of Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) on various marine vessels. https://lnkd.in/e9FbAUgR

Known as dustpan dredging on the Big River, mile marker 198.0 on the Lower Mississippi River. The crew of the dustpan dredge WALLACE MCGEORGE outfitted the operation in honor of our United States of America’s coming birthday. The Wallace McGeorge is a dredge in Arkansas based Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Co.’s fleet of vessels. 🇺🇸