Posted on April 29, 2024
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District, along with state and local officials, broke ground on a major dredging project Thursday morning that is expected to boost the region’s economy while replenishing resort beaches.
They celebrated the start of phase two of the Atlantic Ocean Channel deepening project, a part of the wider, deeper, safer dredging project which will deepen the Norfolk Harbor to an average of 55 feet.
Virginia Beach Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson highlighted the significance, saying the project will bring billions to our economy.
“This will result in a deeper channel that accommodates larger container ships, positioning the Port of Virginia as a competitive gateway for international trade,” Wilson said.
The overall project encompasses three channels.
The Newport News channel will be 55 feet deep, Chesapeake Bay’s Thimble Shoal Channel will go down 56 feet and the Atlantic Ocean Channel will be 59 feet deep.
David White, executive director of the Virginia Maritime Association, said the project was years in the making.
“During the 2012 meeting of the Hampton Navigational Summit, industry presented the business case, which made it clear that 50 feet was no longer deep enough to maintain the competitive advantage,” White said.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Norfolk District played a big role in the project.
Commander Col. Brian Hallberg wanted to make sure to thank everyone for their hard work.
“This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team, exemplifying the core values that propel our success, which is communication, collaboration and commitment,” Hallberg said.
The project will also help the environment.
Sand gathered from the dredging will be added to the Croatan and Virginia Beach resort beaches to protect them from storm erosion.
“The Atlantic Ocean Channel phase two project contributes to regional prosperity, global trade, and national security while respecting environmental sustainability,” Wilson said.
Construction to deepen the Atlantic Ocean Channel will begin in 2025 and is expected to be finished around that summer.
