Harris Passes Army Corps Amendment to Benefit Local Waterways

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) successfully passed an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2021Energy and Water Appropriations Bill that would prioritize U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) dredging projects that are in close proximity to ongoing island replenishment projects. This language would directly benefit Chesapeake Bay tributaries that are in desperate need of dredging, such as Slaughter Creek. The specific amendment language is below:

“When reviewing projects for the FY21 Work Plan, the Corps is encouraged to prioritize dredging projects that would provide supplementary benefits to tributaries and waterways in close proximity to ongoing island replenishment projects.”

Congressman Harris made the following statement:

“I am pleased that the Appropriations Committee adopted my amendment to the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which prioritizes Army Corps dredging that would be located near ongoing island replenishment projects, such as Poplar, Barren, and James Islands in my district. This dredging will be critical to support island replenishment, and is also critical to watermen, recreational boating and fishing, small marinas, and local economy of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Prioritizing these supplementary dredging projects is a win-win due to the beneficial use of dredge material for ecological restoration of nearby islands.”