North Carolina Receives Additional Funding For Dredging Of Morehead City Harbor | Eastern NC Now

Press Release:

    Raleigh, N.C.     Governor Pat McCrory is praising the teamwork that helped secure an additional $4 million from the United States Army Corps of Engineers for desperately needed dredging of the Morehead City Harbor Channel.

    "Ensuring access to our ports is critical because it supports thousands of jobs in Eastern North Carolina. The Port of Morehead City is a vital resource that contributes more than $1 billion to our state's economy," said Governor McCrory. "U.S. Senators Burr and Tillis and Rep. Jones are to be commended for securing this much-needed additional funding. NCDOT Secretary Tony Tata also played a critical role in helping bring all of the parties together to make this solution happen quickly."

    The Morehead City Harbor has an authorized depth of 45 feet, but through rapid shoaling sand has limited the depth to about 34 feet. The current depth makes it difficult if not impossible for some of the Port of Morehead City's biggest customers to gain access to the facility. Corps of Engineers last dredged the channel in May.

    "I appreciate the teamwork of the Army Leadership, with whom we have been in almost daily contact since December, and that of much of our Congressional delegation, whom we briefed in early January," said Secretary Tata. "Teamwork at the federal and state level is leading us to both near-term and long-term solutions for the Port of Morehead City."

    Last month, the Corps solicited bids for contract dredge work in the area, but failed to receive a competitive bid. The Corps is now in the process of receiving additional information on potential available dredging companies. The state of North Carolina has been seeking additional funds to support the project.

    "North Carolina Ports support more than 76,000 jobs across the State. The situation in the Morehead City Harbor is particularly acute for our customers in Beaufort County and surrounding areas. I appreciate the support and look forward to working with the State and the Corps to address this and the other ongoing needs of our deepwater port facilities," said Paul J. Cozza, Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina State Ports Authority.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov