Mighty Mississippi: Urgent Report On Dredge Funding
March 24, 2010 —
Once again the "Mighty Mississippi" has cautioned us all against attempts to either predict its powerful current flow or take it for granted. As 2009 came to a close, the Mississippi River began rising during the usual low water season in Oct 2009 and hit record high levels for the majority of November 2009. To combat these record levels, dredges were brought in to keep Southwest Pass open to deep draft navigation. But, to accomplish the task of maintaining our waterway, funds intended for use in 2010 had to be used in 2009.
The fact is the Corps FY 2010 conference allocation was $52.3 million while the average amount needed to maintain the channel is $81.7 million. Consequently, we began this year with approximately $29 million less than would be needed during a normal operating year, much less what will be necessary in a year with significant flooding.
Unfortunately, the river's rise has continued through March and no reprieve is in sight. Therefore, the Corps as it works to maintain our waterway has used its entire budget for 2010 and needed an infusion of $30 million dollars by March 2010.
To meet this urgency, the Corps transferred $30 million dollars from its other projects. This $30 million will only allow the Corps to continue through April 2010 and an estimated additional $67 million will be needed to provide services through FY 2010.
The Corps has said it will work hard to find the additional money for FY 2010. Industry has been working with our LA delegation to determine possible avenues to attach a supplemental bill for the additional $67 million, just in case the Corps has difficulty in identifying and securing the much-needed funds.
In closing, I would like to thank the Corps New Orleans
District, Corps and Headquarters for understanding our needs for the Mississippi River system and also for making the best with what equipment and funds are available.
Michael R. Lorino, Jr.
Associated Branch Pilots, President
