MASSPORT APPROVES PROJECT AGREEMENT WITH CORPS FOR BOSTON HARBOR

In March the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) voted to approve the execution of a project partnering agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to start the Boston Harbor dredging project. The $310 million Boston Harbor dredging project will deepen the main channel used by container ships from the existing 40 feet up to 51 feet but maintenance dredging is needed before that project can start.

A signed agreement allows the Corps to bid contracts for construction on a Confined Aquatic Disposal cell (CAD cell) which is needed for the maintenance dredging of the Inner Harbor Main Ship Channel. Maintenance dredging will restore the inner harbor to 40 feet and is the first phase of the larger dredging project. This portion of the harbor was last dredged by the Corps in 1986. CAD cells have been constructed in Boston Harbor for past dredging projects.

Massport and MassDOT agreed to pay $5 million while the Corps will spend $12 million from its fiscal year 2016 work plan for the design and construction.