The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has successfully rebounded from the challenges posed by COVID-19, concluding a robust first half of 2023 with an array of awarded dredging projects.
Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel Co. in New Orleans and Baton Rouge
William P. Doyle, CEO of the Dredging Contractors of America, emphasized the comparable nature of the federal government, state and local governments, and the private sector in navigating COVID-19 recovery efforts. He noted that USACE has consistently issued contract awards since February, with a strong presence on both the award and bid-let procurement sides.
The momentum began on February 3, 2023, with Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel Co. securing an $18,470,195 modification for maintenance dredging in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, La., scheduled for completion by November 5, 2023.
On March 23, 2023, The Dutra Group, based in San Rafael, Calif., was awarded a $67,478,100 contract for dredging operations and potential clean-up in Norfolk, Va. The Dutra Group actively engages in projects across major U.S. markets, including the San Francisco Bay Richmond Harbor maintenance and the Atlantic Ocean Channel Deepening phase one in Norfolk.
Seattle-based Manson Construction Co. received a $20 million firm-fixed-price contract on April 13, 2023, for dredging projects. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, concluding by June 11, 2024.
Cashman Dredging & Marine Contracting Co. LLC in Baltimore Harbor
Cashman Dredging & Marine Contracting Co. LLC, from Quincy, Mass., was awarded a $23.9 million contract on May 3, 2023, for Baltimore Harbor and channels maintenance dredging. The project is progressing well and remains on schedule.
Callan Marine of Galveston, Texas, secured a $9,430,000 firm-fixed-price contract on May 9, 2023, for dredging services in Galveston, with completion expected by March 8, 2024.
Cottrell Contracting Corp. of Chesapeake, Va., was awarded an $8,941,350 firm-fixed-price contract on May 26, 2023, for Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay maintenance and dredging.
In late May 2023, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company (GLDD) received two significant contracts – a $157.4 million dredging project for the Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project and a $29.2 million Galveston Entrance Channel and Houston Ship Channel Dredging Project maintenance dredging project.
On May 31, 2023, Norfolk Dredging Company was awarded a $14 million contract for the periodic nourishment of the Brigantine dune and berm Coastal Storm Risk Management project, a collaborative effort between USACE, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the City of Brigantine.
June 1, 2023, witnessed Weeks Marine Inc., Covington, La., securing a $10,330,500 firm-fixed-price contract for Brazos Island Harbor entrance and jetty channel maintenance and dredging.
On June 9, 2023, USACE awarded over $100 million in contracts for dredging projects in Puerto Rico, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. Curtin Maritime Corp. received a $54,204,676 contract for San Juan Harbor construction and maintenance dredging; Manson Construction Co. secured a $33,054,000 modification for maintenance dredging in Astoria, Ore.; and Seaward Marine Corp. of Norfolk, Va., received a $12,936,375 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance dredging in Philadelphia, scheduled for completion by March 9, 2024.
On June 29, 2023, Marinex Construction Inc., Charleston, S.C., was awarded a $26,061,200 firm-fixed-price contract for Savannah inner harbor maintenance dredging.
As highlighted by Michael Gerhardt, senior director of government affairs at Mike Hooks, LLC, based in Westlake, Louisiana, the company continues its partnership with the Army Corps, expressing pride in the ongoing collaborations and commitment to helping USACE achieve its navigation mission.