Charleston harbor deepening project sent to Congress for funding

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued its “record of decision” on deepening Charleston’s harbor to 52 feet, opening the way for Congress to authorize the project.    The Port of Charleston harbor deepening project reached another milestone this week when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officially notified Congress that all project requirements have been fulfilled and it is ready to be authorized for funding.
   The project received the Chief’s Report in September and in December the South Carolina Ports Authority signed a preconstruction engineering and design agreement with the Corps of Engineers. The feasibility study and environmental reviews were completed in four years at a cost of $11 million, compared to an estimated seven years and $20 million because it was put on a new fast-track review process by the Obama administration.
   The project will take the main channel in Charleston from 45 feet to 52 feet, with the entrance channel dredged to 54 feet, enabling neo-Panamax vessels of 14,000 TEU or more to enter the port without tidal restrictions. Engineering and design work is expected to be mostly completed by the end of the year.
   The South Carolina legislature has set aside $300 million to begin construction upon completion of the design. The total project, which port officials say could be completed by 2020, is estimated to cost $510 million.
   Congress passed a water resources development bill in 2014, the first reauthorization in seven years. Some lawmakers have said they hope to get back on a regular two-year cycle, but whether that is possible in an election year is still unclear.