Port Everglades reports out for public, agency review
Jacksonville, Fla. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District announces the release of the Port Everglades Feasibility Study and Final Environmental Impact Statement for public, state and agency review and comments. The study and report will be available for review and comment during a 30-day period that starts Friday, Mar. 20.
“The release of this report is a significant milestone for Port Everglades and reflects the efforts of many people to successfully address complex issues and produce this quality report,” said the Jacksonville District Commander, Col. Alan Dodd.
The recommended plan, which was unanimously approved by the Corps’ Civil Works Review Board Feb. 27, includes deepening and widening the harbor. The configuration of the current Federal project dates back to the 1980s, making it difficult to accommodate today’s larger container and tanker vessels. The recommended plan accommodates existing and future vessel movements, resolves navigation restriction problems, and presents opportunities for national economic development. Since release of the draft feasibility study in June 2013, the Corps has continued consultation with state and federal agencies regarding the new endangered species coral listings, and refining the environmental mitigation and monitoring plans.
The Port Everglades Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Statement is available starting Mar. 20 at http://1.usa.gov/1AFFapp. The Corps will accept comments through Apr. 20, 2015. There are two ways to submit comments, via email to Terri.Jordan-Sellers@usace.army.mil or mailed to:
Ms. Terri Jordan-Sellers
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 4970
Jacksonville, FL 32232-0019
The Corps will incorporate comments and responses as appropriate into the final report, which will be followed by completion of the Chief of Engineers Report in May 2015. The signed Chief's Report will then be submitted to the administration for review.
# # #
Release no. 15-037