JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (June 9, 2025) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District is beginning preparation of a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document to address a channel realignment, configuration, maintenance and material placement for the Anclote River Channel in Pasco County, Florida. The non-Federal sponsor for the proposed project is the City of Tarpon Springs. Jacksonville District is currently gathering information to define issues and concerns that will be addressed in an analysis to be prepared in compliance with NEPA.
The Anclote River is located on the West Coast of Florida and borders both Pasco and Pinellas Counties, approximately 20 miles north of Tampa. The Federal channel is 9.1 miles, and the entrance channel begins in Tarpon Springs and runs through the Gulf of America. The purpose of the Anclote River, Florida project is to maintain a safe and efficient vessel navigation through the channel. Anclote Key has experienced intense sediment accumulation, known as shoaling, to the point of expansion into the channel, hindering safe and efficient vessel navigation. The NEPA document will evaluate continued maintenance dredging of the Federal project as well as potential new placement sites. Resources and other important features within the project area include recreation, commercial and recreational fisheries, fish and wildlife resources, essential fish habitat, threatened and endangered species, and seagrasses.
USACE Jacksonville District welcomes your views, comments and information about environmental, and cultural resources, study objectives and important features within the described project area. Questions, requests for additional information, or comments should be submitted to the USACE Jacksonville District Environmental Branch, Coastal Section via email to Rachel.s.case@usace.army.mil by July 9, 2025.
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Release no. 25-036