November 9, 2005

NOTE: The legislation in question is the Conference Report on H.R. 2419, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006.

WASHINGTON -- The House of Representatives approved energy and water development legislation Wednesday which includes funds for dredging in the Manitowoc-Two Rivers area during the 2006 budget year.

At the request of Rep. Tom Petri, the House approved $405,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the Manitowoc River between the federal channel and the Canadian National Railroad Bridge. "Increasing the depth in this upstream segment will support growth at the Burger Boat Company, which employs approximately 200 people," Petri said.

"By increasing the depth of the channel at this location, the company will be at considerably less risk of damaging its products when they are launched," Petri said. "It is also very likely that the increased depth will actually reduce the frequency of dredging in this area since there will be a greater margin in the channel for the buildup of silt and low water levels. Most importantly, dredging in this section will allow Burger Boat to build larger boats to attract more business and expand employment in the area."

Petri said that the funds would also be used to increase the depth of the federal channel to 23 feet for a small 100 foot wide swath in the harbor at Manitowoc. "The carferry that operates out of this location provides service between Manitowoc and Ludington, Michigan, and is a critical component of the area's economy," Petri said. "After a long absence, the carferry returned to Manitowoc in the mid- 1990s. The return of this service is particularly noteworthy because, unlike many similar ventures, the ferry has operated without any government subsidies."

Also at Petri's request, the bill includes $378,000 to dredge 18 feet at the mouth of the Two Rivers Harbor. "Shoaling at the mouth of the harbor has reduced water levels well below the 10 feet needed to allow local commercial fishing boats to enter and exit the harbor safely without the likelihood of bottoming out on the sand bars that have built up since the most recent dredging," Petri said.

The Senate is expected to approve the legislation in coming days, after which it will be sent to the President for his signature.