U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-PA) climbed aboard the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Dredge McFarland on Monday, joining fellow Rep. Donald Norcross (R-NJ) for a tour and inspection of the 300-foot-long deep-draft hopper dredge, which is currently leading the project of deepening the Delaware River from 40 feet to 45 feet.
“Pennsylvania’s workers can compete with anyone in the world, but in order to succeed, we must be able to get the goods we make into the hands of consumers,” Meehan said. “Deepening this channel will enable newer, larger ships to access our ports and ease the export of goods made here to markets overseas. It will keep us competitive with other ports along our eastern seaboard.”
Meehan reviewed operations and praised the progress of the deepening project, while reaffirming his commitment to secure funds to complete it.
“This project isn’t just an economic issue,” Meehan said. “It’s an environmental safety issue, too. It will make the transit of ships carrying oil, natural gas and other materials along our shores less prone to incident by improving navigation and removing obstacles.”
The labor-intensive operation has been underway for five years and is scheduled for completion in 2017.
“I’m pleased that after years of delay, this project is fully underway,” Meehan said. “Millions of cubic yards of sand, clay and gravel have been moved already, and the Corps believes the project is on track to finish in 2017. I’m committed to working with my colleagues from the region on both sides of the aisle to ensure Washington holds up its end of the bargain and funds the deepening through its completion.”