US Government awards US$50 million for Oakland dredging

US PRESIDENT George Bush recently signed an appropriations bill, awarding US$41.3 million towards the Port of Oakland's Harbour Deepening Project and $8.2 million for annual dredging operations and maintenance at the nation's fourth busiest container seaport.

A statement from port authorities said the total funding of $49.5 million goes to the US Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for the construction of the Port of Oakland's Harbour Deepening Project.

Port of Oakland executive director Omar Benjamin said: "These funds will help ensure the deepening of the Oakland harbour to 50 feet which means that we will be able to accommodate the newer, larger containerships."

The project aimed at improving deep draft navigation at this west coast port involves widening and deepening the harbour entrance and both outer and inner harbour channels, berth deepening and wharf strengthening, relocating local businesses and utilities and dredging two basins to 50 feet (mean lower low water).

Said port maritime director James Kwon: "With the Port of Oakland's already completed maritime infrastructure improvements combined with the Oakland Harbour Deepening Project and plans for new rail access at the port, we will be able to grow our cargo business."