Dredging: Grays Harbor

Grays Harbor Navigation Channel Receives Federal Funds for Deepening in 2015

Deepening of the Grays Harbor Navigation Channel to its fully authorized depth of -38 feet MLLW will get underway in 2015, thanks to the inclusion of $8 million for this project in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) fiscal year 2015 work plan. President Barack Obama’s FY2016 budget also included $7 million for completing the deepening.

The Port of Grays Harbor has experienced a surge in cargo volumes at its five deep-water marine terminals, with vessel traffic increasing more than 300 percent during the past five years. The proximity of the port to the Pacific Ocean and the expanding export markets on the Pacific Rim has been instrumental to cargo growth. With 90 percent of Grays Harbor’s shipping activity being export, the Grays Harbor is a positive contributor to the U.S. balance of trade.

"We are beyond thrilled the Corps was able to make our project a priority for the FY2015 work plan," said Port Executive Director Gary Nelson. "We appreciate their hard work, as well as the support of our state and federal elected officials in making this important project possible. Deeper draft will serve our customers, our community and our country well into the future as we continue to provide a crucial link between United States growers and producers and international markets."

The Grays Harbor Navigation Channel was authorized by Congress to a depth of -38 feet MLLW in 1977. Phase I construction was completed in 1991, deepening the channel to of -36 feet MLLW. Efforts for Phase II, constructing the channel to its fully authorized depth of -38 feet, began in 2007 and have included feasibility reports, biological assessments, impact mitigation studies, environmental assessments and Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement completed in June 2014.

In August 2014, USACE Brigadier General John Kem of the Northwestern Division signed the Record of Decision, officially recommending deepening the channel to -38 feet MLLW and that it was technically feasible, environmentally justified, cost effective and in accordance with environmental statutes and public interest.

The Port of Grays Harbor, as the local sponsor, is working with the State of Washington to secure the cost-share of $4.575 million for the project. The state previously provided the cost-share for Phase I in 2005. The deepening of the inner harbor is expected to begin this fall.

American Association of Port Authorities
Asociación Americana de Autoridades Portuarias
1201 Maryland Ave SW, Suite 860, Washington, D.C. 20024
E: info@aapa-ports.org
W: www.aapa-ports.org