Posted on April 12, 2018
By D'Ann Lawrence White, Patch
A long-awaited dredging project for the Anclote River should get underway by this summer, said U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor.
“I have been assured by the Army Corps of Engineers that the dredging work should start within the next few months,” announced Bilirakis, who worked with state Rep. Chris Sprowles, R-Palm Harbor, to secure $676,000 in state funds for the dredging project.
Bilirakis believes the project will not only ensure the safe passage of boats along the silt-filled river but will increase economic development in the area.
The funding will go toward leasing a site to dump the sediment dredged from the bottom of the river. Once the sediment has been dried, it will be hauled away.
In addition to the state appropriation, the city of Tarpon Springs is contributing $100,000 and Pinellas County is providing $300,000 through the Pennies for Pinellas tax.
The river hasn’t been dredged since 1998. Over the years, the river bottom has filled in with silt, making it difficult for large boats to navigate.
In some places, the river is only 4 feet deep. Most vessels require an 11-foot clearance.
As a result, the 150 marine and tourist-related businesses that depend on the river, including boat builders, docking facilities and businesses that cater to boaters, have been negatively impacted.
A 2016 economic impact study showed the businesses that depend on the river account for $252 million in commerce for the area, attract 1.1 million visitors and account for 56 percent of all commercial fishing in Pinellas County.
The initial funding from the state is enough to get the dredging project started. However, city officials will likely have to request additional state funding. The total project is expected to cost more than $5 million.
Source: patch
