The 2023 Annual Meeting of the Dredging Contractors of America (DCA) took place at the Conrad Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, from April 24-26. Manson Construction Co.’s Fred Paup, serving as DCA President, extended a warm welcome to dredging companies of all sizes from across the nation.
Discussion on USACE Policy with Major General William H. Graham
The event featured an informative discussion on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) policy, led by Major General William H. “Butch” Graham, Deputy Chief of Engineers and Deputy Commanding General of USACE. This highlighted the strong collaboration and commitment to partnership shared between USACE and DCA. Safety culture commitment was emphasized by DCA member and President of the Council for Dredging and Marine Construction Safety (CDMCS), Devon Carlock.
Safety Culture Commitment by Devon Carlock of CDMCS
Advisors from the American Maritime Partnership (AMP), Darrell Conner of K&L Gates, and Ken Nahigian of Nahigian Strategies, addressed the support AMP’s maritime message is garnering from the Administration and Congress. Harry Stewart, CEO of The Dutra Group, expressed satisfaction with the presentation, affirming that DCA and AMP’s Jones Act message is well-received on Capitol Hill.
The guest speaker, William Doyle, Executive Director of the Maryland Port Authority (MPA), shared insights into the successful operation to free the grounded container ship Ever Forward in Chesapeake Bay. DCA members actively participated in the operation, which prioritized safety and utilized Jones Act equipment.
Jim Cottrell, President of Cottrell Contracting Corporation, spoke to the dredging industry’s small business program and future involvement with the Small Business Administration, stating “DCA provides a voice for small dredging companies to engage with the Corps and the Small Business Administration to discuss the future of the program.”
Fred Paup’s final act as President of DCA was to “Pass the Gavel” to the incoming DCA President Stephen Tobin, COO of Cashman Dredging and Marine Contracting Co., LLC.
“As the next President of DCA, I would like to thank my predecessor, Fred Paup, for his diligent efforts over the past year. I look forward to working with our DCA members and federal, state, and local partners to successfully accomplish the country’s vital dredging mission. After concluding a well-attended and highly successful DCA Annual Meeting, which included senior USACE and port leadership, I am confident that together we can meet the tasks ahead to construct and maintain our nation’s ports, waterways, beaches, and wetlands.”