Posted on April 28, 2026
The Dredging Contractors of America (DCA) held its annual Board of Directors and membership meeting last week in San Diego, bringing together industry leaders to discuss the future of dredging, maritime policy, and national security.
DCA members unanimously elected Travis Boone as President of the Board of Directors and Parker McClellan as Senior Vice President. Boone serves as President and CEO of Orion Group Holdings Inc., based in Houston, Texas. McClellan is Marine Operations Manager at Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Company, based in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Additional officers include Fred Paup, Chairman of Manson Construction Co. and James Cottrell, President and CEO of Cottrell Contracting Corporation, who will serve as Vice Presidents, and Gordon Shelton of Cottrell Contracting Corporation as Treasurer. A new slate of directors was also unanimously elected to serve two-year terms.
This year’s meeting took place during a particularly sensitive period for the maritime industry, amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The Jones Act was a central focus of discussions.
While the Administration has implemented a temporary Jones Act waiver in an effort to ease fuel prices, market realities show such waivers do not deliver savings at the pump, and any marginal benefit would rarely reach American consumers. Instead, those gains are typically captured by global oil traders and foreign flag operators that do not employ American mariners, build vessels in United States shipyards, or contribute to the United States economy.
The Administration has made important strides in refocusing national attention on maritime strength and rebuilding the United States maritime industrial base. Preserving the Jones Act is critical to that effort. Waiving it, even temporarily, undercuts the very foundation needed to achieve long term American maritime dominance.
In addition, members discussed the importance of working together with state and federal regulators to increase the amount of dredging working days per year, beneficial use of dredged material and the Corps’ dredge quality management program.
DCA’s new President of the Board Travis Boone said:
“I want to thank and congratulate Harry Stewart for his exceptional leadership and steady hand throughout his term. He has left this organization stronger and well-positioned for what comes next. It is an honor to represent an industry that is essential to the economic strength and national security of the United States. We keep America’s ports and waterways open, ensuring the safe and reliable movement of commerce while supporting our Navy and military installations. Our mission is clear. We must continue to lead—educating, informing, and partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, our state and local partners, and leaders on Capitol Hill. The Jones Act remains a cornerstone of that mission, underpinning a strong, American dredging fleet that delivers for this country every day.”
Parker McClellan, DCA’s new Senior VP:
“America’s dredging industry is built on the strength of U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, and U.S.-crewed vessels—principles that are at the heart of the Jones Act and vital to our economic and national security. I am honored to serve as Senior Vice President of DCA and look forward to working alongside our members to protect and advance this industry. Through strong advocacy and continued partnership with government and stakeholders, we will ensure the U.S. dredging fleet remains ready, capable, and competitive for the challenges ahead.”
Throughout the week, DCA members heard from a range of speakers representing federal agencies, ports, and industry stakeholders across the maritime, dredging, and marine construction sectors.
Laura DiBella, Chair of the Federal Maritime Commission, emphasized the Commission’s role in protecting the United States shipping public, citing China’s targeting of Panama flagged vessels, risks in the Strait of Hormuz, and the need for tighter oversight of flag of convenience safety and security.
Michael LeFleur, Chief Operating Officer of the Port of San Diego, provided an overview of port operations, highlighting strong performance and outlining upcoming dredging and marine construction projects.
Maryanne Pintar, Chief of Staff to Congressman Scott Peters, discussed the Congressman’s focus on permitting reform as a central legislative priority, aimed at accelerating project delivery, providing certainty once permits are issued, and ensuring infrastructure, including ports and coastal projects, can move forward without delay. She also highlighted the strength of the shipbuilding and maritime community in the San Diego region.
Chad Bradley, founding partner of Covenant Government Affairs, provided an update on recent Administration actions, Congressional budget developments, the forthcoming Water Resources Development Act for 2026, and strategies for advancing DCA priorities in 2026 and 2027.
Mark Ruge and Elle Stuart of the American Maritime Partnership discussed recent developments related to the Jones Act, including concerns regarding the current use of waivers. They reinforced the foundational principles of the law and the critical role the dredging industry plays in maintaining a strong United States maritime sector.
William P. Doyle, CEO and Executive Director of the Dredging Contractors of America, said:
“We had a very productive week of meetings. These are exciting and consequential times for the maritime industry. DCA member companies are the backbone of America’s port access, navigation, and security. As American operators under the Jones Act, we deliver trusted, secure, and reliable dredging services. That matters. It ensures that critical waterways, harbors, and channels, many of which support our military, remain in the hands of American companies and American crews. We expect a significant increase in maintenance dredging activity over the next 18 months. At the same time, we are working closely with Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle to focus on building infrastructure, not paperwork. With this being a Water Resources Development Act year, we will continue partnering with ASA Telle, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and both civilian and uniformed leadership to responsibly expand dredging windows and increase the number of workable days across key districts and divisions. We will keep moving forward with a clear focus on the dredging and infrastructure projects that underpin the economic strength and national security of the United States.”
The following Directors were unanimously approved for a two-year term.
- Kelly Albers, Marinex Construction
- Jim Cottrell, Cottrell Contracting Corporation
- Walter Jellison, Pacific Dredge
- Parker McClellan, Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel
- Kim McMahon, Mike Hooks, LLC
- Fred Paup, Manson Construction Co.
- Travis Boone, Orion Holdings Group
Voted on in 2025 with terms expiring in 2027
- Aaron Harke, Kokosing Industrial
- Zac Morrish, Ryba Contracting
- Kimberly Richmond, Southern Dredging Company
- Harry Stewart, The Dutra Group
- Steve Tobin, Cashman Dredging & Marine Contracting
