Jacksonville, Florida -- JACKSONVILLE, Florida (August 14, 2024) – Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, 55th Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, signed the Chief’s Report August 14, 2024, for the Tampa Harbor Navigation Improvement Study in a ceremony at USACE Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The three-year study, which began with the signing of a Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement between USACE Jacksonville District and Port Tampa Bay, the non-federal sponsor, in August 2021, was designed to reduce marine transportation costs and increase transportation efficiencies in the Tampa Harbor Federal Navigation Channel.
“I would like to commend Jacksonville District’s Tampa Harbor Navigation Improvement project delivery team for their steadfast dedication to this critical study and delivering their final report for the Chief to sign off on schedule and within budget,” said USACE Jacksonville District Commander, Col. Brandon Bowman.
The Chief’s Report details USACE’s plan to create future desirable conditions, including reducing the frequency of maintenance dredging intervals, expanding habitat through the beneficial use of dredged materials, and creating economic efficiencies by providing material for port infrastructure and public projects.
The study primary and secondary objectives were to reduce marine transportation costs and operation inefficiencies and support habitat creation, respectively.
"The Tampa Harbor Navigation Improvement project will have an impact on the economic vitality of our entire region. This generational project will allow new and larger vessels to come, bringing with them economies of scale and all the things Floridians use in their everyday lives. The project will have a profound impact, greatly enhancing regional and state supply chains in one of the fastest growing regions of the country,” explained Port Tampa Bay President & CEO Paul Anderson.
With the signing of the Chief’s Report, the study’s recommended plan will begin the process of federal review and congressional consideration for inclusion in future Water Resources Development Act legislation to fund implementation.
“The Chief’s signing of this report is a significant milestone for navigation in the Tampa Harbor, and this improvement project will bring increased economic value to the nation now and in the decades to come,” said Bowman.
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