GH Navigation Channel funded for deepening in 2015

Federal funding for the second phase of the project known as Deeper Draft has been secured, clearing the way to dredge the Grays Harbor shipping channel to a depth of minus 38 feet, Port of Grays Harbor officials said Wednesday. The Port has been working on the project for decades and 38-foot depth has been authorized by Congress since 1977.

Construction is expected to start in the fall. Another $4.6 million is required as a local match and Port officials say they are working with the state to secure that funding. The state provided funding for the first phase of Deeper Draft, which was completed in 1991.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work plan for 2015 was released Tuesday and includes $8 million for the project. President Barack Obama’s 2016 budget also included $7 million for completing the deepening. Congress authorized the channel deepening project to 38 feet after cost benefit analysis and environmental reviews were finished last year.

The Port has five deep water terminals and says vessel traffic has increased more than 300 percent over the past five years. Exports account for about 90 percent of Grays Harbor’s shipping activity. Port officials say Grays Harbor is a positive contributor to the U.S. balance of trade and deepening of the federal navigation channel to its congressionally authorized depth will ensure that U.S. grown and manufactured products are competitive in the growing Pacific Rim 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 minus 38 feet in 1977. Construction of Phase I was completed in 1991 improving the channel to a depth of minus 36 feet. Efforts for Phase II, constructing the channel to its fully authorized depth of minus 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, Army Corps Brigadier General John Kem of the Northwestern Division signed the Record of Decision, officially recommending deepening the channel to minus 38 feet and that it was technically feasible, environmentally justified, cost effective and in accordance with environmental statutes and public interest.