WRDA legislation covers Port of Miami dredging

WRDA legislation covers Port of Miami dredging Port of Miami officials said Wednesday that Congress'    approval this week of Water Resources Development Act of 2007 clears the way for dredging work to deepen the port's South Channel to 50 feet.
   The channel depth is 42 feet, but the new WRDA legislation authorizes deepening the channel to enable massive new containerships to serve the port.
   'The Miami Harbor Phase III Dredging Project is critical to the long-term economic viability of the Port of Miami as it will enable the port to berth the largest containerized cargo vessels in the world, as well those presently in order,' said Bill Johnson, Port of Miami director. 'It is expected to have a significant impact on cargo volumes and new business investments.'
   The WRDA bill cleared the House back on Aug. 1. But a final version of the bill had to come through a House-Senate conference committee. That version of the bill was approved by the Senate Monday 81-12.
   Johnson said the port dredging project required a wide-ranging political effort.
   'We want to thank the efforts and the dedicated support of Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the Dade Congressional Delegation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gov. Charlie Christ, and the Dade Delegation of the Florida legislature, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez and Miami-Dade County Chairman Bruno Barreiro and the Board of County Commissioners for their continued support,' he said.