News & Updates

Updated regularly, this area contains short takes of breaking news items and articles in IDR Online. Full stories are available in Features, with a paid online access account.

February 6, 2012 - Highway Bill Scheduled for Senate Floor Next Week - RAMP Language Pushed
	From the National Waterways Conference: Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to introduce a highway bill on the Senate floor next week. As part of the consideration of that bill, Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, sponsor of S 412, the Harbor Maintenance Act of 2011, (the Senate version of the RAMP Act), is preparing to circulate a letter to all S 412 cosponsors that will be sent to Chairman Barbara Boxer and Ranking Member James Inhofe of the Environment and Public Works Committee, requesting that S 412 be included in the highway bill. The draft letter notes that: “Keeping our ports and harbors in good repair not only supports our economy and jobs, and boosts our international competitiveness, but shipping also helps relieve highway and rail congestion. An April 2010 report by the Department of Transportation stated, “In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that the Nation’s existing road and rail infrastructure cannot adequately meet our future transportation needs. Land based infrastructure expansion opportunities are limited in many critical bottleneck areas due to geography or very high right-of-way acquisition costs.” Urging support of S 412, the letter states: “Our nation deserves an infrastructure that can help hard-working Americans compete in foreign markets, and having a well-maintained navigational infrastructure is vital to this purpose.”
January 26, 2012 - Bangladesh Gets Three New Dredges
	The VOSTA LMG – Karnafuly joint venture consortium has delivered three Model 450 cutter suction dredges to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA). On Wednesday, January 18, the vessels were inaugurated by Sheikh Hasinathe, prime minister of Bangladesh.
January 20, 2012 - Bentley Calls for Expansion of HMT
	World Cargo News Online reported that former Congresswoman Helen Delich Bentley has called for the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) to be collected on all freight from foreign sources entering the United States, not just on ocean-borne cargoes. "In a speech to west coast maritime interests, Bentley noted that Washington state shippers are concerned that substantial Asian cargo bound for the US is being diverted via the Port of Prince Rupert in Canada to avoid the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT), which the US instituted in 1986 to pay for dredging ship channels. Freight entering the US from Canada or Mexico by rail does not pay any tax," the article said.
January 20, 2012 - John D. Colonel Dies
	Bellingham Marine announced the death of John D. Colonel on January 10th in his home in York, Pennsylvania. The 62-year-old Mr. Colonel retired from the U.S. Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer after 23 years of service, and in 1993, went to work for the Southeast Division of Bellingham Marine, world-wide marina builder. He participated in the design and construction of well over 300 marinas during his time at Bellingham Marine. His works can be found up and down the Eastern Seaboard and in numerous U.S Coast Guard and Navy facilities. A few of John’s most notable projects include E.R. Strait Marina, Norfolk Yacht Club, Port Covington, Bachelor’s Point, Philadelphia Marine Center and most recently, Glen Cove Ferry Terminal.
January 6, 2012 - Congress Funds Corps at $5 Billion
	The Water Resources Coalition, in their January 6 newsletter, reported that the House and Senate have reached agreement on three bills as part of the final Fiscal Year 2012 package to appropriate funds for government operations. "The legislation also prevents a potential government shutdown and supports important domestic programs and services the American people rely on," said Rep. Harold Rogers (R-KY), chair of the House Appropriations Committee. The Corps of Engineers is funded at $5 billion, an increase of $145 million above last year's level and $429 million above the budget request. The bill will provide $1.8 billion for navigation projects and studies. The bill also funds flood and coastal storm damage reduction at $1.66 billion, including $437 million for dam safety improvements. The conference agreement funds EPA at $8.4 billion, which is a $233 million reduction below the FY 2011 enacted level and $524 million below the president's request. Overall, funding for EPA has been reduced by $1.8 billion, a reduction of 18.4 percent for the remainder of calendar year 2011. The bill also includes a $101 million reduction in FY 2012 for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs), down from $1.525 million for Clean Water and $965 million for Drinking Water appropriated in FY 2011, and resulting in a cut of more than $1 billion for water and wastewater infrastructure over the last two fiscal years. Congress appropriated $2.5 billion for the programs in FY 2011, which represented a cut of $997 million from FY 2010.
January 4, 2012 - Dutra Acquires Dredge Stuyvesant
	The Dutra Group announced today that it has added a hopper dredge, the Stuyvesant, to its fleet of dredges, marking a historic day in the company’s history. At 372 feet in length and 72 feet wide, the Stuyvesant is the second largest hopper dredge in the United States. Bill Dutra, president and CEO of The Dutra Company, says, “This ship will be a welcome addition to our fleet and its size will allow us greater flexibility in our operations.”
January 2, 2012 - Marinex To Dredge Savannah and Brunswick Inner Harbors
	Marinex Construction Inc. has been awarded a $10,648,750 contract for Savannah and Brunswick Inner Harbor Maintenance Dredging. The contract was awarded on December 30 by the Savannah Engineer District. The Savannah Inner Harbor requires up to seven million cubic yards of annual maintenance dredging by cutterhead dredge, placing the material in eight diked disposal areas on the north side of the channel. Savannah's inner harbor channel is 21 miles long, 42 feet deep and 500 feet wide, with a sediment basin that allows removal of harbor sediment at a reduced cost. The Brunswick Inner Harbor channels are maintained at 30 feet deep and 400 feet wide through St. Simon's Sound, Brunswick River and East River. Dredged material placement is at Andrews Island, the sole upland disposal area.
December 22, 2011 - BAM Sells Its Van Oord Shares
	Koninklijke BAM Groep nv (BAM)has transferred its 21.5 percent share in Van Oord nv to a consortium consisting of three Dutch investment companies (Janivo, Breedinvest, Rinkelberg) and one Belgian investment company (Cobepa). BAM has been a Van Oord shareholder since the merger of Van Oord ACZ and Ballast Ham Dredging in 2003. N.J. de Vries will step down as a member of the Van Oord supervisory board as of today. The resulting vacancy will be filled shortly. Van Oord now has two shareholders: the Van Oord family combined in MerweOord B.V. (78.5 percent) and the consortium (21.5 percent).
December 22, 2011 - Vulcan Materials Rejects Martin Marietta Takeover
	Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE: VMC) today announced that its board of directors, after consultation with its independent financial and legal advisors, unanimously determined that the Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (NYSE: MLM) exchange offer to acquire Vulcan at a fixed exchange ratio of 0.50 shares of Martin Marietta common stock for each Vulcan common share is inadequate and not in the best interests of Vulcan and its shareholders. “The board strongly recommends that shareholders not tender any shares to Martin Marietta,” stated a company news release. "Our Board's position is clear – shareholders should reject Martin Marietta's lowball and opportunistic exchange offer," said Donald M. James, chairman and chief executive officer of Vulcan Materials. "The offer, made at a low point in the economic and industry cycle, does not come close to appropriately compensating shareholders for Vulcan's strategic locations and leading positions in high growth markets, unparalleled reserve base, and proven ability to deliver rapid profitability and cash flow growth in economic recoveries. Martin Marietta is obviously trying to take value that rightly belongs wholly to Vulcan shareholders." The Vulcan board concluded that the company is much better positioned to capitalize on economic recovery than Martin Marietta. Vulcan has a stronger presence in the most attractive U.S. markets and a significantly more profitable aggregates business. It also noted that Martin Marietta's offer carries significant execution risk, further eroding the value of the offer. While Vulcan had explored a combination with Martin Marietta in the past, it determined that a combination was not in the best interests of Vulcan Materials or its shareholders, as detailed in Vulcan's 14D-9 filing today.
December 13, 2011 - Ellicott and Rohr Receive Award for Acquisition
	The Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Maryland Chapter, the premier network for middle market deal makers, has awarded its "Deal of the Year Award" to Ellicott Dredge Enterprises, LLC for its purchase of selected assets from Rohr Corporation. In March 2011, Ellicott Dredge Enterprises, LLC acquired selected U.S. assets of Rohr Corporation, including its backlog and intellectual property, as well as the shares of Rohr Bagger GmbH, which has a manufacturing plant in Mannheim, Germany. This international acquisition added yet another line of dredges to Ellicott's range of product offerings for various applications. Rohr serves the sand and gravel, aggregate, and mining industries internationally, offering customers equipment for economical sand and gravel recovery, and the ability to extend the life of existing deposits with state-of-the-art automated floating clamshell and bucket ladder dredge systems, especially for hard digging and deep digging applications.
December 12, 2011 - Range Industrial to Provide Steel Pipe for Dredge Goetz
	On November 25, Range Industrial Supply of Hibbing, Minnesota was awarded a contract to supply 2,160 feet of butt-welded, 21-inch o.d. steel pipe to the Corps of Engineers in Fountain City, Wisconsin, for use with the Dredge Goetz. The pipe will have a thickness of 3/8-inch and Brinell hardness of   160 to 190. The contract includes 40 sections of pipe, each 54 feet long. Delivery is required within three weeks of contract acceptance. This contract is worth $130,507.20.
December 9, 2011 - MARAD Announces Grant Availability
	The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced that $9.98 million in federal funding is now available to help enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of qualified small U.S. shipyards. The grants are available for capital and related improvements projects that foster efficiency, and competitive operations; quality ship construction, repair and reconfiguration; and employee training projects. Grants are limited to no more than 75 percent of the estimated improvement costs. Application packages must be received by 5 p.m. on January 17, 2012. Additional information is available in the Federal Register at http://federalregister.gov/a/2011-31830 or by contacting the Maritime Administration, Office of Shipyards and Marine Engineering, Room W21-318, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington DC 20590, Phone: 202-366-5737.
December 6, 2011 - Congress Must Address Legislation by December 16
	From the National Waterways Conference: With a deadline of December 16 fast approaching, Congress must pass the remaining nine appropriations bills for FY 2012, or pass another continuing resolution. While Senators Feinstein and Alexander, chairman and ranking member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, continue to work to clear the numerous amendments filed on that bill, simultaneous efforts are underway to draft an omnibus bill to consider in conference by the end of the week. That schedule would have the omnibus on the House floor early next week, followed by consideration in the Senate. While the path forward remains unclear at this point, both chambers have December 16 as the target date to adjourn for the year. The House is set to reconvene on January 17, with the Senate returning the following week on January 23.
December 2, 2011 - Abstracts Due for WEDA 32 and TAMU 43
	Abstracts for papers to be presented at WEDA 32-TAMU 43 are due on December 15. The event, the Western Dredging Association's 32nd annual meeting and Texas A&M's 43rd dredging seminar – will be held at the Crowne Plaza Riverwalk Hotel, San Antonio, Texas June 10 through 13, 2012. The theme of the technical conference is “The Nuts and Bolts of Dredging”. Submit a 300-word abstract to any of the following members of the technical paper committee no later than December 15, 2011: Dr. Ram Mohan: rmohan@anchorqea.com Dr. Robert Randall: r-randall@tamu.edu Robert Wetta: RBWetta@dscdredge.com THIS CORRECTS AN EARLIER VERSION OF THIS STORY.
November 30, 2011 - NSSGA to Hold Anti-Trust Webinar
	The National Stone Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) will hold a Webinar on December 15 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time, to acquaint members with how antitrust regulations affect them and their businesses. “The threat to your business and this industry by antitrust over-regulation has not let up,” said a representative. “An annual refresher shows that your company and employees are aware of their responsibility in this area.” The Webinar will be presented by Don Knebel of Barnes & Thornburg, and will outline the impact and requirements for avoiding antitrust violations.” Registration is on the organization's Web site: nssga.org/commerce
November 29, 2011 - PANYNJ Applies for Bayonne Bridge Permit
	The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has applied for a permit from the First Coast Guard District for modification tot he Bayonne Bridge across the Kill Van Kull between Staten Island, New York and Bayonne, New Jersey. The Port proposes to increase the navigational clearance beneath the bridge by raising the roadway within the existing tied arch truss structure. Public comments will be received by the Coast Guard through December 9, 2011. The First Coast Guard District is at Battery Park Building, 1 South Street, New York, NY 10004.
November 29, 2011 - GLDD Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend
	Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation announced on November 29 that its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock. The board approved a $0.021 per share cash dividend, to be paid on December 16, 2011 to the holders of record of common stock of the company at the close of business on December 9, 2011.
November 22, 2011 - DSC and Supreme Form New Dredge Manufacturing Company
	On November 10, DSC Dredge LLC of Louisiana and Supreme Dredge & Processing LLC of Pennsylvania finalized the formation of Supreme-DSC Dredge LLC, to build clamshell aggregate mining dredges. The new company already has an order from a midwestern aggregate company for a 16-yard clamshell dredge with a 200-foot dredging depth, 50-ton electric hoist and processing and conveying equipment.
November 21, 2011 - Hemisphere GPS Expands OEM Agreement with Navico
	On November 21, Hemisphere GPS expanded its multi-year OEM agreement with Navico Inc., the world’s largest marine electronics company. Hemisphere GPS is supplying Navico with the industry’s smallest (42 cm) GPS compass, which will be privately branded Simrad HS70. Simrad HS70 GPS compass will be sold with Navico’s AP70, AP35 and AP50 autopilots for pleasure boats, yachts and commercial vessels. Hemisphere GPS is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta.
November 15, 2011 - Mississippi Group Plans Mitigation Bank
	The Vicksburg Engineer District announces that Wildlife Mississippi has submitted a Department of the Army permit to establish a 513-acre stream and wetland mitigation bank. The proposed site is located in sections 16, 17, 19, 20, and 30, Township 3 South, Range 6 West, Desoto County, Mississippi. The proposed tract is approximately 513.20 acres. The bank sponsor proposes to restore and enhance 272.77 acres to bottomland hardwood forested wetlands, preserve 68.93 acres of bottomland hardwood wetlands, and enhance and establish 101.89 acres of riparian buffer along approximately 35,245.85 linear feet of existing stream. Restoration and enhancement of the wetlands and riparian areas would improve existing wetland and stream functions and increase species diversity along the Coldwater River.
November 7, 2011 - Port Approves Dredged Material Placement
	At a special meeting on November 7, the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority approved a 25-year lease agreement with Battleground Oil Specialty Terminal Company LLC (BOSTCO) for approximately 55 acres of Port Authority-owned property adjacent to Peggy Lake and on Barnes Island. The Port Commission also approved issuing a marine construction permit to BOSTCO, as well as an agreement for the placement of about 2.2 million cubic yards of dredged material. BOSTCO is planning a large-scale liquid bulk terminal on and adjacent to Barnes Island, and requested the proposed lease to allow portions of BOSTCO's docks to be built on Port Authority-owned submerged lands adjacent to the authority's Peggy Lake Dredged Material Placement Area, and storage tanks to be placed on filled submerged lands on Barnes Island.
October 19, 2011 - Water Flows Into Panama Canal Access Channel
	Today, Panama President Ricardo Martinelli witnessed a new milestone at the Canal Expansion with the inundation of a segment of the new access channel, that will allow the transit of Post-panamax vessels between the new Locks and the Culebra Cut. Panama Canal Authority Board of Directors Chairman and Canal Affairs Minister Rómulo Roux and Panama Canal Authority Administrator Alberto Alemán Zubieta accompanied President Martinelli as he activated the valves to fill up this new channel which is located under the Centennial Bridge, the closest area to the Culebra Cut. It will take approximately three days to fill the area up to 12.5 meters of water and to reach the elevation of 21.64 feet above sea level, using 1.4 million cubic meters of water from Gatun Lake.
October 19, 2011 - Port Manatee to Dedicate Berth 12
	Port Manatee will commemorate the opening of Berth 12 with a dedication ceremony following the Manatee County Port Authority meeting Thursday, Oct. 20. The ceremony will take place at Port Manatee’s Berth 12 at approximately 11:15 a.m. Members of the media should check in at 11 a.m. at the Access Control Center at the port’s North Gate for directions to the event’s designated parking area. The Berth 12 dredging project – the largest new construction dredging project on Tampa Bay in years – designates the official opening of South Port, the focus of Port Manatee’s $200 million decade-long expansion.
October 13, 2011 - Manson Awarded Pier Demolition Job for Navy
	Manson Construction Company has been awarded a $79.5 million design-build contract for demolition and replacement of Pier 12 and upgrade of Pier 13 at the San Diego Naval Base. The contracting office is the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, Utility/Energy Contract Team RAQ1.
October 12, 2011 - Vosta to Provide Dredges to India
	BEML Limited and VOSTA LMG have signed a cooperation agreement for the supply of dredges to Indian end-users on October 10th, 2011. In the presence of Mr. S. Reddy, First Secretary Legal of the Indian Embassy in The Netherlands, the agreement was signed by Mr. V. RS. Natarajan, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML, and Mr. R. Dietze, President and CEO of VOSTA LMG. BEML and VOSTA LMG will combine their resources and expertise for the purpose of the construction of dredges for India.
October 12, 2011 - EdgeTech and ORE Offshore Expand
	EdgeTech and affiliate ORE Offshore have added 7,500 square feet of manufacturing and office space to their Massachusetts facility. The new space will be used to supplement the factory floor, which already houses a wide array of manufacturing bays and test facilities, including pressure chambers, acoustic test tanks and transducer clean room operations.
October 6, 2011 - Linderman is 2011-2012 APWA President
	The American Public Works Association (APWA) has announced that its 2011-2012 president is Diane M. Linderman, P.E., PWLF, Director of Urban Infrastructure and Development Services at Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB). She was officially welcomed at the recent APWA 2011 International Public Works Congress & Exposition in Denver, Colorado. After serving the past year as president-elect, Linderman will serve as APWA president for a one year term. Linderman will lead the organization, which provides professional development and educational services, and promotes increased investment in public works infrastructure and sustainable systems. For the coming year, APWA’s key issues include building livable communities for the future, professional development and education services for all members, advocating for infrastructure investment, sustainability, international relations, emergency management and leadership.
October 3, 2011 - Northeast Dredging Wins New York Deepening Contract
	Northeast Dredging Equipment Company, LLC (a Joint Venture between Cashman Dredging and Donjon Marine) was awarded the next deepening project in New York Harbor, SAK2, on September 30, 2011. The $84 million contract will deepen the second section of the Arthur Kill to 50 feet.
October 3, 2011 - Rally Planned to Urge Dredging of Port of Jacksonville
	First Coast News reports that a “Support our Port” rally is planned for this Thursday night to focus attention on the need for deepening the Port of Jacksonville, Florida. To be held at the Jacksonville Landing, the rally will point up the need to deepen the port in preparation for the larger ships the deepening of the Panama Canal will allow. Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown and Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll are expected to attend the 5:30 p.m. event
September 26, 2011 - Van Oord Receives IADC Safety Award
	The International Association of Dredging Companies (IADC) has awarded its annual safety award to Van Oord Dredging and Marine Contractors bv for their company-wide program “Work Safe.” “Work Safe presents employees with a number of questions about safety to ask themselves in order to achieve a safer working environment. For instance, what should one do – and especially not do – within the framework of safety,” said CEO Pieter Van Oord upon receiving the award. “In the Work Safe system each individual process, for instance, anchor handling, working in and around excavations, working with gas and oxygen or procedures for lifting operations, is addressed separately and a list of instructions have been written which describes the safety issues related to that particular operation. These safety guidelines apply to dredging and marine works by Van Oord and its subcontractors. The results have been encouraging. From 2010 to the present we have already noted a decrease of on-job incidents,” Van Oord said.
September 22, 2011 - New Dates Announced for CONEXPO 2014
	The dates of the next CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE expositions have changed to March 4 through 8, 2014, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Las Vegas Convention Center approached CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE inquiring about the possibility of shifting the originally contracted for dates, which is a common practice in the exhibition industry, explained Megan Tanel, AEM vice president exhibitions and events. While CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE bring substantial business to Las Vegas because of their combined size, they are held every three years. “The Center experiences challenges when booking its annual business; we are good partners with our host city and want success for them as well,” Tanel said. The Las Vegas Convention Center is working closely with show management to mitigate any potential inconvenience and to help ensure a positive show run for all participants, Tanel noted.
September 19, 2011 - AGC Receives Grant for Safety Training
	The Associated General Contractors of America will launch a new fall protection safety training program next year thanks to a new federal safety grant the association is being awarded. The association will use the $130,000 Susan Hardwood Training Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to tackle one of the most pressing safety issues in construction, officials said. “The new training program will help us continue to make construction safer for millions of workers,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “This is another sign of the commitment our association and our members have to improving construction safety.”
September 16, 2011 - Dredge & Marine Company Will Exhibit at Europort
	Dredge & Marine Company, will exhibit at this year's Europort maritime trade show in Ahoy Rotterdam on November 8 - 11. Located in the American Section, Booth #8126, Don King and Bob Sutton (International Sales Manager) will be on hand each day to talk with visitors about their projects and the European dredging industry. As the only American dredge builder exhibiting, the company hopes to bring their efficient and unique techniques to the European dredging community and beyond.
September 14, 2011 - Rep. Doyle to Address Waterways Symposium
	Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) will give the opening address at the Waterways Symposium, to be held October 20 and 21 at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Themed “The Fourth R – Why Rivers Matter to America", the event will explore the array of obstacles and opportunities facing the inland waterways, ports, and inland waterways transportation. Topics are: World Economic Trends, Transportation Forecast for Commodities, Operations & Maintenance of Critical Infrastructure, The Political Landscape and View from Capitol Hill, Federal Policy Toward Investment in the Waterways, and a national media panel on challenges in covering the waterways. Go to www.waterwayssymposium.com for registration information.
September 2, 2011 - Port of Houston Usage and Profits Up
	The Port of Houston Chief Executive Officer Alec Dreyer reported growing revenues and usage of the port for 2011. Container tonnage is up over seven percent, which means that container liner companies that service Houston are handling more vessels with higher profitability. “In the long run, this means the Texas economy is expanding,” said Dreyer. Steel tonnage for June was 442,000 tons, nearly three times the level of June 2010. For the first six months of this year, steel has increased over last year by 886,000 tons or 86 percent. The monthly total for July is expected to be nearly half a million tons. "Turning Basin revenue was up 38 percent in June and is up 31 percent for the first half of the year, directly attributable to the much higher levels of steel this year over last," Dreyer said. "Turning Basin revenue is also ahead of budget by some eight percent overall."
August 31, 2011 - Aquaterra Conference Set for Early November in Amsterdam
	Experts from around the world will head to Amsterdam November 1 and 2 for the third international Aquaterra conference. The event will discuss ways of strengthening vulnerable and densely populated delta areas. The conference is part of the International Water Week Amsterdam, which also includes a wide range of other events for water professionals as well as the general public. Other major events of the Water Week program include Integrated Aqua Solutions, a showcase that will demonstrate the world’s most dazzling water engineering projects; the second National Delta Congress; and Aquatech Amsterdam 2011 trade exhibition. The conference Web site is www.aquaterraconference.com
August 29, 2011 - U.S. Construction Equipment Exports up 48 Percent
	The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) reports that U.S. exports of construction equipment continued to grow in 2011, and ended the first half of the year up 48 percent compared to January-June of 2010. Total construction machinery exports at midyear were $11 billion. AEM, an off-road equipment manufacturing trade group, consolidates U.S. Commerce Department data with other sources into member global trend reports.
August 25, 2011 - Port condition X-Ray set for North Carolina
	The Coast Guard Captain of the Port set hurricane condition X-ray at 8 p.m. Wednesday for the Port of Hampton Roads, Virginia, in preparation for Hurricane Irene. Hurricane condition X-ray is set when gale force winds are expected within 48 hours. During the next 24 hours the Coast Guard will identify and track all vessels in port, establish contact with emergency management agencies at the local, state and federal levels, and work closely with port and industry officials to minimize damage in the event the storm impacts Hampton Roads. Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. Drawbridges may not be operating if sustained winds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress. Mariners can view the latest port updates for North Carolina on the Coast Guard’s Web site: http://homeport.uscg.mil
August 25, 2011 - Manatee Pocket Dredges Secured for Hurricane Irene
	Officials in Martin County, Florida are securing the dredging equipment working on the Manatee Pocket maintenance project as Hurricane Irene approaches the coast. “Although the storm is currently tracking farther east, in an abundance of caution we are still taking steps to prepare for it,” said Martin County Coastal Engineer Kathy FitzPatrick. Dredging in the pocket will be suspended on Wednesday, August 24 and will likely resume on Monday, August 29. This allows time for the water currently in the material handling area to drain off, creating room for the area to absorb the rainfall that is expected to occur. The hydraulic dredge will be secured in the center of the main channel to keep the equipment away from shore. The mechanical dredge and barge will also be secured in Manatee Creek. “We are following the steps that are outlined in the project’s emergency response plan. The contractor will continue monitoring the storm track and will remain on site throughout the weekend,” FitzPatrick said.
August 24, 2011 - BAE to Build New Weeks Marine Hopper Dredge
	BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards Alabama has been selected by Weeks Marine, Inc. to build its new 8,500 cubic yard twin screw trailing suction hopper dredge at BAE's Mobile, Alabama facility. IHC Merwede designed the dredge, and Gibbs & Cox will provide functional engineering and detailed production support during construction.
August 18, 2011 - Anchor QEA Accepting Scholarship Applicants
	Anchor QEA, L.L.C., environmental science and engineering consulting firm, is accepting applications for its 2011 scholarships. Candidates are graduate students with a major in geology, environmental sciences, planning/land use, landscape architecture, fisheries, environmental engineering, or coastal, geotechnical, environmental engineering with an aquatic/waterfront emphasis, or related fields. Applications are due November 14, 2011. Additional information and an application form are available at Anchor QEA’s Web site at http://www.anchorqea.com.
August 15, 2011 - GLDD Wins Alabama IDIQ Contract
	Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company LLC has received a $20 million Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for dredging in Alabama. The contract was awarded on August 10.
August 15, 2011 - North Carolina Locals to Pay for Inlet Maintenance
	The Wilmington, North Carolina Star News reported on August 11 that “local governments are coming close to piecing together the money necessary to dredge their inlets.” The town of Topsail Beach will pay most of the cost of dredging the New Topsail Inlet, the article stated. After the state of North Carolina agreed to pay half the cost of the dredging, Holden Beach and Oak Island pledged $56,250 toward dredging Lockwood Folly inlet between their islands, and Brunswick County will pay the balance. In New Hanover County, the town of Carolina Beach will pay for part of the cost of dredging the Carolina Beach Inlet. The burden of dredging the inlets has fallen to local governments, since these areas are not included in the federal dredging budget.
August 15, 2011 - Cashman Begins Kennebec Dredging
	Cashman Dredging has begun dredging in the Kennebec River in Maine to provide draft for the new U.S. navy destroyer Spruance to move into the Atlantic Ocean from Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine. The dredging had met objections from local river users, but the Board of Environmental Protection and a federal judge rejected petitions to stop the work. The Spruance will be commissioned in Florida in an October 1 ceremony.
August 12, 2011 - Atlantic Sand Will Be Dredged to Replenish NASA's Wallops Facility
	The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) has authorized the use of Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) sand resources for the Shoreline Restoration and Infrastructure Protection Program project at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island off the mid-Atlantic coast. BOEMRE signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with NASA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge nearly 3.2 million cubic yards of OCS sand for construction of the project. The sand will replenish the entire 3.7 miles of the Wallops Flight Facility shoreline. The facility is on Wallops Island, on Virginia's Atlantic coast, inland of the southern tip of Assateague Island. Through the MOA, the Corps Norfolk District will dredge the sand from an area in federal waters approximately 12 miles from the project site. The project also includes extending an existing seawall by an additional 4,600 feet southward. The launch facility is owned by NASA and is also used by the U.S. Navy and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. The facility includes launch pads for NASA and Department of Defense rockets, along with Spaceport pads for commercial satellite launches. For safety reasons, launch pads need to be located as close to the coast as possible, and the coastline must be maintained to prevent storm damage to the facilities.
August 3, 2011 - GLDD to Present at Jefferies Conference
	Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (NASDAQ:GLDD) announced today it will be attending the Jefferies 2011 Global Industrial and A&D Conference in New York on Wednesday August 10, 2011. Katie Hayes, Treasurer and Director of Investor Relations, will be participating in one-on-one meetings.
August 1, 2011 - Boskalis Wins Superporto do Açu Dredging Contract
	Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. (Boskalis) has won a contract for the construction of a new port terminal TX2 at Superporto do Açu. The Açu Superport industrial complex in the north of Rio de Janeiro state is the largest port-industry enterprise in Latin America and is expected to become one of the largest port complexes in the world. TX2 will accommodate the largest shipyard of Latin America and will be built by OSX Construção Naval S.A. The contract, worth approximately € 200 million, was awarded to Boskalis by LLX Açu Operações Portuárias S.A. and Construção Naval S.A., controlled respectively by LLX LogísticaS.A. and OSX Brasil S.A.. Both companies belong to the EBX group owned by Brazilian entrepreneur Eike Batista. Work on the project is expected to commence shortly and last for a total of two years. The scope of the work includes the dredging of an access and inner channel, turning basin and harbor basin as well as land reclamation work. Boskalis will also construct the revetments at the entrance of the harbor. The total dredged volume will amount in excess of 43 million cubic meters, part of which will be used to reclaim land for the construction of the port facilities.
July 20, 2011 - GLDD and ERH Enter Joint Venture
	Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (NASDAQ:GLDD) announced on July 20 that it had entered into a joint venture with Environmental Remediation Holding Inc. (ERH), a subsidiary of DEC of Belgium. DEC is an an international environmental specialist and contractor, and holds DEC process licenses for soil remediation and dredged sediment treatment. The joint venture will provide water and land-based environmental services in clean up and remediation of sediments, soil and groundwater for both marine and land based projects. Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Berger stated, “We anticipate bidding projects ranging from smaller dredge sediment and soil treatment remediation up to projects that could exceed $100 million in value, such as environmental work on the Hudson and Fox Rivers. This is a great opportunity for Great Lakes to expand upon its dredging capabilities by offering services in new complimentary markets while increasing utilization of our dredging and demolition fleet and expertise,” he said.
July 18, 2011 - Mombasa Dredging Stopped Over Contract Breach
	On July 12, the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) of Kenya stopped the dredging of Likoni channel because of alleged breaching of environmental constraints and harming wildlife. Dredging began on the project in June after years of planning, and will be stopped for two weeks to assess damage and impacts from the presence of debris from the project near the shore, which was to have been deposited 50 miles offshore, according to the master plan. The dredging contractor is Van Oord Dredging and Marine Contractors.
July 13, 2011 - Dredge Builders Order Wärtsilä Propulsion Systems
	Van Oord has ordered engines and fixed pitch propellers from system integrator Wärtsilä of Finland. The systems are for the company's new self-propelled cutter suction dredge Artemis, being built by IHC at their Kinderdijk yard. Another package is on order for Artemis sister ship Athena. Nantong Gangsha Shipping Manufacturing Co. of China has ordered two Wärtsilä 16V32 engines, propulsion equipment and systems for a hopper dredge they are building. Also, the Tianjin Dredging Company, part of state-owned CCCC Group of China has ordered Wärtsilä propulsion systems for two hopper dredges they are building in China.
July 11, 2011 - Virginian Leaving for Morehead City
	Norfolk Dredging Company's clamshell dredge Virginian will leave in midweek for the two-day trip to Morehead City, North Carolina and a maintenance job at the North Carolina state port docks. Scheduled to begin the middle of the week of July 18, the project will likely include the Radio Island barge docks and the aviation fuel docks. The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a notice to mariners, instructing people in the area to remove fishnets, crab pots and structures before the work starts, to call the dredge 30 minutes before passage, and to stay clear of the dredge, barges, derricks and operating wires.
July 9, 2011 - Weeks Acquires McNally Marine
	Weeks Marine, Inc. announced on Friday, July 8 that it had purchased McNally Construction, Inc. of Hamilton, Ontario. “With this acquisition, Weeks Marine strengthens its presence in North America's tunneling industry and establishes a significant presence in Canada, said Richard S. Weeks, president and CEO. “Bringing McNally into the Weeks family enhances our ability to compete with the increasingly multi-national players in our industry.” McNally Construction will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Weeks Marine, Inc. and will continue to operate in the tunneling and marine construction markets in both Canada and the United States. McNally's dredging equipment includes a 16-inch cutterhead dredge John Holden; a four cubic yard backhoe dredge Harold M., eight clamshell dredges and a four cubic yard dipper dredge, No. 20.
July 5, 2011 - RAMP Hearing and Mark-up Scheduled for July 8
	The House Transportation committee has announced a hearing and mark up of the RAMP Act for July 8th. This hearing of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. and will be immediately followed by a markup of H.R. 104. Both the hearing and the markup will be webcast live. To view the Webcast, go to http://transportation.house.gov/
July 1, 2011 - WEDA Pacific Chapter Issues Call for Abstracts
	The board members of the WEDA (Western Dredging Association) Pacific Chapter have issued a call for papers for their fall 2011 conference, to be held October 26 through 28 in Portland, Oregon. Deadline for abstracts on all aspects of dredging and disposal, navigation structures, environmental restoration and related topics should be sent to Jayme Newbigging at programdirector@pacificweda.org
July 1, 2011 - Jan van Oord Dies
	Flags are at half staff at all Van Oord offices on Friday, July 1 in honor of Mr. Jan van Oord, who died on June 27 at the age of 88. Mr. van Oord was a founder of the dredging company Jac. G. van Oord and Sons in 1948. The company was predecessor of Van Oord nv. He was managing director of the company until 1984 and from 1984 until 1994 he was a member of the Supervisory Board. After ending his career Mr. van Oord remained involved, in the background, with the fortunes of the company and its employees. Until recently he was present during all memorable events, such as the christening and launch of the new cutter suction dredger Athena in February of this year.
June 30, 2011 - Houston Port Commissioners Outline 2012 Strategy
	The Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority conducted a public workshop on June 28 to discuss 2012 strategic initiatives. Projects included continuing development of the Bayport Container Terminal, improvements at Barbours Cut, which is the Port Authority's premier container terminal, modernization of the Turning Basin Terminal, work to maintain and improve the Houston Ship Channel, and real estate, finance, and freight transportation measures. Capital investment to develop and improve this vital regional infrastructure is expected to total over $2 billion over the next 10 years.
June 29, 2011 - Nautilus AGM Announces Shareholders Meeting
	Nautilus AGM Materials of Vancouver, BC, has sent notice of its annual general meeting and information circular to shareholders. The meeting will be held at the TMX Broadcast Centre Gallery, at 130 King Street West, Toronto, at 10 am on July 26, 2011. Nautilus is the first company to commercially explore the ocean floor for polymetallic seafloor massive sulphide deposits and is developing its first project at Solwara 1, in the territorial waters of Papua New Guinea in the western Pacific Ocean. Nautilus is listed on the TSX and AIM stock exchanges, and has among its largest shareholders two of the world's leading international resource companies Anglo American (11.1%) and Teck Resources (6.8%), as well as Metalloinvest, one of the largest and fastest growing mining and metallurgical holding companies in Russia. Metalloinvest beneficially owns 21.0% of the Company’s issued shares through Gazmetall Holding (Cyprus) Limited.
June 24, 2011 - AEM Speaks Out Against Threat to GPS
	The Association of Equipment Manufacturers has prepared a letter to Congress, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, and the Federal Communications Commission, urging them to block the attemp by LightSquared to deploy a nationwide broadband internet infrastructure of 40,000 ground stations that would “very likely render commercial and private GPS signals unreliable and in some cases useless”. According to one AEM member company, the LightSquared plan could degrade most if not all GPS receivers as far as 22 miles from one of the 40,000 transmitters. The letter spells out the GPS-related jobs in the U.S. That would be affected, as well as the construction and agricultural systems that would be rendered useless. “We do not object to the goals of increasing wireless data capacity and competition, but the available test data has shown overwhelming interference, and LightSquared should not be allowed to launch in the spectrum adjacent to GPS and jeopardize construction operations,” the letter stated.
June 22, 2011 - Comment Period Extended on Delaware Deepening
	The Philadelphia Engineer District has extended the public comment period until July 6th for its Draft Environmental Assessment (Draft EA), dated June 2011, for the Delaware River Main Channel Deepening Project (Project).
June 21, 2011 - Charleston Dredge Study Speeded Up
	The timeline of a key study on the feasibility of deepening the Charleston, S.C. shipping channel from 45 to 50 feet has been suddenly cut in half, from 5 to 8 years to 4 years. The Corps has already estimated the total cost of dredging the additional 5 feet at $310 million over ten years. After meetings on Capitol Hill, Lt. Col Jason A. Kirk, commander of the Charleston Engineer District, said he was committed to an 'aggressive' goal of completing the study by 2015. Kirk spoke at a Charleston signing ceremony for the contract for the study between the Corps and the State Ports Authority. About $300,000 has been committed so far to the study's costs, half each from the federal government and the SPA. South Carolina's Congressional delegation has been divided on the project, with strong support coming from Sen. Lindsay Graham. Fellow Republican Sen. Jim DeMint has said he supports the project, but opposes using Congressional earmarks. Both senators were present at the signing. Despite DeMint, who has been criticized by South Carolina voters for his stand, it looks as if earmarks may be necessary after all, assuming a positive assessment by the feasibility study. Jim Newsome, the SPA's chief executive officer, said, 'We have to get this funding every year, for multiple years, to make this a reality.'
June 19, 2011 - Law Will Allow Kennebec River Deepening
	On Friday, June 17, Maine Gov. Paul LePage signed legislation that will allow the Corps of Engineers to dredge the Kennebec River and place dredged material in an offshore site near Popham Beach. The dredging is to deepen the navigation channel to allow Navy destroyer USS Spruance to leave Bath Iron Works, where is is being upgraded, scheduled for September 1. Fishing, lobster, commercial clam, boating and recreational interests had been concerned about the impact of the dredging, which is scheduled for their peak season. The state Department of Marine Resources will monitor the dredging and placement activities.
June 17, 2011 - Wheatstone LNG Project Given Environmental Approval
	The Australian Environmental Protection Authority has announced that it will levy strict oversight around the Wheatstone LNG project at Onslow, Western Australia, after approving the project. The AU$30 billion project is 73 percent owned by Chevron, who is the operator of the project. Approximately 48 million cubic meters (62.7 million cubic yards) will be dredged in the coming years. Conservationists have opposed the project, saying that the controls are not enough to protect threatened species such as whales and turtles. The EPA's recommendations will be referred to the Environment Minister who has the final say, and the report is subject to a two-week public appeal, which ends on June 29.
June 16, 2011 - Misener to Build Docks at Port Canaveral
	Misener Marine Construction has been awarded an $18 million contract for two new berths at Port Canaveral, Florida. Misener is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Orion Marine Group, who announced the contract on May 5. One berth is for the construction of a cruise pier 600 feet long and 65 feet wide consisting of a backfilled steel pile combi-wall, concrete encapsulated bulkhead with conventional and soil anchor tieback systems dredged to a depth of 35 feet. The new cruise pier is expected to begin mooring vessels in the third quarter of 2012. The second berth is for a cargo pier 900 feet long and 100 feet wide comprising a concrete-pile-supported relieving platform with a steel pile combi-wall bulkhead and conventional tieback system, and dredged to a depth of 35 feet. The project has two more additional options that if awarded would increase the job to approximately $22 million overall. Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2011 and last approximately 24 months.
June 15, 2011 - Chincoteague Inlet Maintenance Dredging Complete
	The Norfolk Engineer District dredged approximately 80,000 cubic yards of beach quality sand from the Chincoteague Inlet in March to prepare the waterway for the 2011 fishing season. On Virginia's Eastern Shore, the Chincoteague Inlet is the gateway to the largest commercial port on the Eastern Shore, handling more than 3,000 vessels a year, including U.S. Coast Guard vessels. The annual project was approved in 1972 by the chief of engineers under the authority of Section 107 of the River and Harbor act of July 14, 1960. The Corps Dredge Currituck worked for 21 days to remove potentially hazardous shoals from the inlet bottom. "We have a pretty good idea that the Currituck got the problem areas removed, but we use the survey vessels as a confirmation; as well as we can determine exactly how much sand was removed and how deep the channel is after dredging ," said Gregg Williams, Norfolk District dredging project manager. The Norolk District has posted a video interview with local fishermen on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-0iqsZt8UI
June 15, 2011 - RAMP Act Gets 100th Sponsor
	The Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Fairness Coalition announced on June 14 that H.R. 104, The RAMP Act, signed Representative Bob Gibbs (R-OH) as its 100th cosponsor. Rep. Gibbs is the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. The RAMP Act, introduced by Congressman Charles Boustany R-LA) and Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT), and supported by a broad bi-partisan group of Congressional interests, would ensure that funds in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund are used for their intended purpose of dredging and maintaining coastal ports, harbors, and waterways. “I applaud Representative Boustany for putting together a bipartisan piece of legislation that ensures the money that goes into the HMTF is used specifically for these critical projects improving our nation's infrastructure," said Rep. Gibbs said.
June 15, 2011 - GLDD to Give Presentation at Deutsche Bank Conference
	Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) will give a presentation at the Deutsche Bank Global Industrials and Basic Materials Conference in Chicago, on Thursday, June 16. The presentation will begin at 10:40 a.m. Central time; 11:40 a.m. Eastern time, and can be viewed live on the Investor Relations section of the GLDD Web site: www.gldd.com. The Webcast and accompanying slide presentation will be archived on the site within 24 hours and be available for at least two weeks.
June 15, 2011 - Ship Goes Aground In Lower Mississippi River
	The Indian-flagged tanker Ratna Puja went aground at Lower Mississippi River mile 4.5 on the evening of June 13. The ship was refloated today at 10:15 a.m., after part of the oil cargo was lightered.
June 10, 2011 - Ancil Taylor Named Dredger of the Year
	Ancil Taylor was named the 2011-2012 Dredger of the Year during the annual Western Dredging Association meeting this week. Taylor's long career in dredging management and equipment design with Bean Dredging corporation of New Orleans, and especially his role as the “architect of the dredging response to the BP oil spill last summer” were cited in the presentation of the award on Tuesday, June 7.
June 10, 2011 - Statement from Outgoing WEDA Chairman Bill Hanson
	As our most recent annual meeting in Nashville concludes, I wanted to say thank you for allowing me to serve you as President and then Chairman for the last four years. You have allowed me to do what one of things I most love to do most and that is to talk about dredging. Channeling my passion for our industry and WEDA in service to you all has been one of the highlights of my career (so far). The incoming chairman, Paul Quinn, and president, Bob Wetta are even more passionate and anxious to elevate WEDA’s status and reputation working with our Executive Director, Larry Patella, and the other members of the Board of Directors. I ask that you each seek to contribute your own time and talents in service to WEDA’s core mission, education, at every possible moment and work for the common good of our dredging community. Thanks again. Bill Hanson Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. LLC “Economic Recovery, Coastal Protection, and Environmental Restoration; IT ALL STARTS WITH DREDGING®!”
June 10, 2011 - Don King Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
	Don King was honored with the WEDA Lifetime Achievement Award at the group's annual meeting this week in Nashville. His career in dredge sales and manufacture started in 1959 and continues today. King has provided portable dredges to projects around the world, and in his career has been involved in many dredge manufacturing companies, as an employee and owner. He has travelled extensively, both in the United States and overseas. Last year he sold his company, Dredge & Marine Company of the Nashville area, to the John W. McDougall Co., Inc., and continues in the company as executive vice president. He received a standing ovation by Western Dredging Association members on Tuesday, June 7, when the award was announced, followed by many personal congratulations.
June 2, 2011 - Boskalis Chosen for Chatham Rise Project Design
	Chatham Rock Phosphate Ltd (CRP), New Zealand, has selected Royal Boskalis Westminster to undertake the detailed design of their rock phosphate nodule project at the Chatham Rise, a relatively shallow area no more than 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) deep, on the ocean floor east of New Zealand. Other dredging companies considered were IHC Merwede/D.E.M.E. and Jan de Nul, who carried out independent extraction, upgrading and commercial delivery studies. “After CRP received these studies several months ago, they were reviewed by a panel of four independent marine dredging experts, who interacted with each study group to select the superior proposal,” said CRP director Chris Castle.
May 31, 2011 - GLDD Directors Announce Cash Dividend
	Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (NASDAQ:GLDD) - announced today that its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock. The board approved increasing its annual dividend by $1 million resulting in an aggregate expected dividend of $5 million per year, the maximum allowed under the company’s senior credit facility. Future dividend payments remain subject to the discretion of the board. This increase will result in an additional $250,000 paid to stockholders in the current quarter. The board approved a $0.021 per share cash dividend, to be paid on June 17, 2011 to the holders of record of common stock of the company at the close of business on June 10, 2011. Jonathan Berger, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are pleased to be able to increase our quarterly dividend as a result of our strong financial performance, including robust earnings growth and cash flow. The company continues to strengthen its financial position and will look to deploy capital in a manner that creates value for our shareholders.”
May 28, 2011 - Premo Receives DCA Murden Award
	Angela Y. Premo received the William R. Murden Lifetime Public Service Award from the Dredging Contractors of America (DCA) at their annual reception, held last night in Washington D.C. Premo retired in March as chief of Operations and Regulatory, after a 33-year career with the Corps of Engineers. The award was presented by Barry Holliday, executive director of DCA.
May 25, 2011 - Dalles Navigation Lock to Re-Open on Thursday
	The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers alerts mariners that it will reopen The Dalles navigation lock Thursday, May 26 at 5 p.m. after completing repairs to a gearbox that operates the mechanism for opening and closing the north leaf of the downstream gate. The lock closure was shorter than originally announced because damage to the bearings, gears and shafts was less than anticipated. A full assessment could not be performed until the gearbox was opened, drained, disassembled and cleaned.
May 23, 2011 - Weeks Marine Building Two New Oceangoing Dredges
	Weeks Marine Inc.(WMI) announced today its plans to build two new dredges: an 8500 cubic yard hopper dredge to be named the Weeks 475, and an ocean-class, 30-inch hydraulic cutter suction dredge named the Weeks 314. The new dredges represent an investment of more than $125 million, and will create 125 permanent well-paying jobs, according to Richard S. Weeks, WMI president. The Weeks 315 is under construction at the Corn Island Shipyard in Indiana. The Weeks 475's engineering package was developed jointly by WMI and IHC Merwede, and the keel will be laid in October of this year. The shipyard has not been announced. See full story in FEATURES
May 22, 2011 - Corps Districts Purchase Sidescan Systems
	The Seattle and Norfolk Engineer Districts have purchased EdgeTech Model 4125 sidescan sonar systems through International Industries Inc.
May 20, 2011 - Dalles Navigation Lock to Close for Repairs
	The Portland Engineer District will close The Dalles navigation lock Tuesday, May 24 at 6 a.m. to repair a gearbox that operates the mechanism for opening and closing the north leaf of the downstream gate. The lock is expected to reopen Saturday, May 28 at 6 a.m. However, the Corps warns that it will not have a complete picture of the damage and needed repairs until the gearbox is opened and drained and a full assessment performed. The Corps expects to have this information on the morning of Wednesday, May 25, and may announce an extension of the outage at that time to accommodate additional repairs. The Corps believes that one or more bearings in the gearbox are failing. Bearing failure – which could occur without warning – could lead to more significant damage to other gate components and an unplanned, extended repair outage. This interim repair should allow the gearbox to function until the next regularly-scheduled maintenance outage in March 2012, when the Corps plans to replace it.
May 18, 2011 - Corps Receives Funding for Charleston Deepening Study
	U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) said the deepening of the Port of Charleston took a huge step forward today when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released its Work Plan for the rest of Fiscal Year 2011 and included $150,000 to begin the Charleston Harbor deepening study. Graham made the announcement in a conference call with Sixth District Congressman James E. Clyburn and First District Congressman Tim Scott. “This is a very good day for the Port of Charleston,” said Graham. “Today’s announcement is an important first step in a long journey. I truly appreciate the help the Vice President has provided in this effort. I appreciate the work of the South Carolina delegation in making this happen. I also want to thank Senator Alexander, Senator Reid, Senator McConnell, Senator Feinstein, and their respective staffs for the assistance they provided in this effort. This has truly been a bipartisan effort in the Senate. Before today, we were literally out of the game and there was a real concern we would fall another year behind. Now, we’re back in the game.” Graham noted the major impact of the announcement is that it allows the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) to enter into a legal partnership with the federal government (U.S. Army Corp of Engineers) to share the future costs of harbor deepening. The agreement between the SCPA and the Army Corps is expected to be signed in the coming days.
May 4, 2011 - Companies Join to form Gateway Dredging & Contracting LLC
	Limited Leasing Company and Jotori Dredging Inc., a subsidiary of Fred Weber Inc., merged on May 1 to form Gateway Dredging & Contracting LLC. Both companies are headquartered in the St. Louis area. The new company's base will be in Old Monroe, Missouri, in the offices used by Limited Leasing, will operate five 18-by-16-inch suction dredges and six towboats, the largest being the mv. Atlas, at 1,500 hp.
May 1, 2011 - Tusaloosa Office Unharmed
	Mark Goddard reports that the path of the tornado that destroyed parts of Tuscaloosa last week was four miles away from the Corps Tuscaloosa office, and that all family and office personnel are fine.
April 25, 2011 - WEDA Head Describes June Meeting
	The Western Dredging Association (WEDA) in conjunction with Texas A & M University (TAMU) will be hosting the Western Hemisphere’s 31st Annual Dredging Conference at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel Resort in Nashville, Tennessee, USA June 5 through 8, 2011. If you are even remotely interested in dredging, navigation, marine engineering and construction and the enhancement of the marine environment, you cannot afford to miss this special event. In addition to interesting and informative technical information presented by some of the world’s leading dredge and environmental experts you will be treated to the first ever in-depth discussion on the “Future of Dredging.” This session will be presented by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. It will look twenty years into the future to discover how and why the global dredging industry can and should be prepared to meet the challenges facing dredging as it relates to the global marketplace. When you arrive in Nashville you will be impressed by the restoration that took just six months to bring the elegant Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Resort back to its previous greatness -- and then some. Just one year ago, the hotel and grounds were 16 feet under flood waters. We encourage you to come early and stay late, as the Western Dredging Association has made it possible for you and your family to enjoy its low hotel group rate starting three days before and extending three days after this once-in-a-lifetime historic dredging conference. Before the conference starts with the ice breaker on Sunday night you will have an opportunity on Saturday June 4th to visit Opryland. Millions of fans have been captivated by the music and magic of the Grand Ole Opry since it started in 1925. Then on Sunday June 5th you will have an opportunity to visit the Hermitage -- the plantation home of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States. Completed in 1819, the main house is a two-story Greek revival brick mansion. “Old Hickory” as President Jackson was affectionately called, was the only United States president to pay off the national debt and leave office with the country in the black. To round out your stay in Nashville, a oneday post conference tour will take you back in time to visit Elvis Presley’s Graceland. There you will visit Elvis’s home, two airplanes, personal and automobile museum and lunch at Elvis’ favorite Rendezvous Restaurant. Hotel accommodations are becoming scarce so we urge you to make your plans now to join us in Nashville for what is sure to be a wonderful and exciting experience. For additional information call, email, or fax WEDA executive offices at 360-750-0209, fax: 360-750-1445 or Email: weda@comcast.net for additional information. We look forward to seeing you in Nashville.
March 31, 2011 - Thirteen Michigan Ports Would Not Be Maintained Under Budget Request
	The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force has responded to the Administration budget request with this statement: "The Administration’s proposed dredging budget for FY12 will not spend one dollar on 13 Michigan ports that collectively average more than 31 millions of cargo per year, this despite the fact those tons were taxed and the revenue deposited in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund that bankrolls the government’s dredging program. Two of the ports, Alpena and Charlevoix, make Michigan the Cement Capitol of the Great Lakes, but they and other major harbors will go undredged under the budget proposed by the Administration. "Great Lakes shipping has long been a cornerstone of Michigan’s economy. The state has 38 active deep-draft ports, nearly as many as the other seven Great Lakes states combined. The ports of Calcite, Presque Isle, Port Inland, Cedarville, and Drummond Island account for the lion’s share of the 35-40 million tons of limestone that move on the Lakes in a boom economy. Escanaba and Marquette typically account for 25 percent of the iron ore shipped on the Fourth Sea Coast." "Ports that won’t be dredged next year are: Presque Isle (UP); Marquette; Menominee; St. Joseph; Holland; Muskegon; Ludington; Charlevoix; Alpena; Saginaw; Marysville; St. Clair; and Monroe. "The Administration’s proposed budget slashes the Lakes dredging program system-wide, but 63 percent of the cuts fall on Michigan harbors. "Employers who depend on shipments through ports on Michigan’s west coast potentially face cessation of waterborne deliveries if ports such as St. Joseph aren’t dredged in 2012. 'We are located on the St. Joseph River, about one mile upstream of Lake Michigan,' said Pete Berghoff, president of Dock 63 Inc. 'The river carries a significant amount of sediment which over time builds shoals throughout the inner and outer harbor. In 2008, a combination of flood-level run-off due to rapid snowmelt and unusually heavy rainfall pushed so much sediment into the inner harbor we lost more than 16 feet of draft between January 1 and mid-March. We need regular maintenance dredging to keep the ships coming, especially in this period of low water levels,' he said. "What’s ironic about the Administration’s budget is that so many dredging companies are based in Michigan. Durocher Marine, Luedtke Engineering, MCM Marine, and Ryba Marine Construction are among the leading dredgers on the Great Lakes. 'Michigan dredgers are dedicated to keeping Great Lakes ports open for business,' said Kurt Luedtke, president of Luedtke Engineering in Frankfort, Michigan. 'If these Michigan ports aren’t dredged, the increased costs that result from a vessel carrying less cargo will disadvantage employers and have environmental impacts as well. If trains and trucks get the cargo that ships currently move, they will burn more fuel and put more greenhouse gases into the environment,' he said. "Jobs are the big concern for Tom Orzechowski, vice president, Lakes and Inland Waters for the Seafarers International Union (SIU), who is based in Algonac, Michigan. 'More than 1,300 men and women work on U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters. They and their employers successfully compete with other modes of transportation because vessels can move so much more cargo each trip, as much as 70,000 tons when water levels are high. But on January 1 of this year, one of the ships we crew could only load 60,400 tons of coal for delivery to the Belle River power plant in St. Clair. Coal deliveries resumed to Marquette last week and a ship that should deliver about 60,000 tons carried only 54,000 tons. We need more dredging, not less.' "Michigan legislators are hard at work on solving the dredging problem long-term. Senator Carl Levin (D) has authored a bill, S. 412, that would require the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to spend what it takes in each year, about $1.6 billion, rather than use the surplus to paper balance the Federal budget. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates $200 million will restore the entire Great Lakes Navigation System to project depth. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D) quickly cosponsored the legislation. A companion bill – H.R. 104 – has been introduced in the House. Currently the legislation has 51 co-sponsors. "Michigan members of the House who have signed H.R. 104 are Dan Benishek (R); Hansen Clarke (D); Bill Huizenga (R); Candice Miller (R); and Fred Upton (R)."
March 25, 2011 - Kristine Miller is New AGC President
	On March 25, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) elected Kristine Young president of the organization at its annual meeting, held in conjunction with CONEXPO/ConAgg in Las Vegas. Young is the chief executive officer of Des Moines, Iowa-based Miller the Driller. She is the first-ever woman to lead the U.S. construction industry, and will oversee the trade group’s work on behalf of the commercial construction industry. “I’m humbled that this association has always treated me as a fellow contractor that happens to be a woman, instead of a woman that happens to be a contractor,” said Young. “Being the first is never about being alone, it took the time energy and encouragement of many people to get me here today.” As president, Young will oversee the association’s efforts to advocate for measures to boost demand for construction activity by enacting pro-growth tax and trade policies and making much-needed investments to the nation’s aging infrastructure. She will also work to overturn a new measure that forces governments at all levels to withhold 3 percent of the value of all major construction contracts beginning next year, something she notes will add to an unemployment rate for the industry that already is over 20 percent.
March 22, 2011 - Ellicott Acquires Rohr
	Ellicott Dredge Enterprises LLC has acquired certain assets of Rohr Corporation (USA), including its current backlog and all associated intellectual property, together with the shares of Rohr Bagger GmbH of Mannheim Germany. Through a newly-formed subsidiary, Rohr International Dredge Co., LLC, Rohr will operate as an independent, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ellicott. The announcement was made from the Rohr exhibit at the CONEXPO-ConAgg show in Las Vegas on March 22. Rohr manufactures clamshell dredging systems for the sand and gravel industry. Jochen Rohr will join the new company as president, and focus on expanding the company's technology. "We are pleased to combine forces with Ellicott, which will improve our ability to serve customers across a larger geographical footprint," said Rohr. "Being part of the Ellicott famly will not only provide more dredging options for our customers, but will allow both companies to share their engineering expertise to the benefit of all our customers," he said. Rohr Bagger GmbH will continue to concentrate on the European sector. Rohr Dredge North America operations will headquarter at the Ellicott facility in New Richmond, Wisconsin, but Rohr will continue to have a presence in the greater Cincinnati area, with the same phone number: 513-202-0800, where the operation will continue without change, Jochen Rohr told IDR from his display at CONEXPO.
March 17, 2011 - Trimble Acquires OmniStar
	Trimble announced on March 16 that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire certain assets related to the OmniSTAR™ Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal corrections business from Fugro N.V. The acquisition is expected to significantly expand Trimble's worldwide ability to provide land-based correction services for agriculture, construction, mapping and Geographic Information System (GIS) and survey applications. Trimble and Fugro also entered into a multi-year service agreement which includes Fugro's ongoing operation of its correction network and satellite service broadcast systems that power the OmniSTAR service. Fugro's offshore marine business is unaffected. Closing of the transaction, anticipated in the first quarter, is subject to certain closing conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed.
March 15, 2011 - Documents Available for Colorado Dredging Project
	Coal Creek Flood Mitigation Construction; Project #8063 The Board of Larimer County, Colorado Commissioners will be receiving sealed proposals at the office of the Purchasing Director, 200 W. Oak Street, Suite 4000, Fort Collins, Colorado, up to 2:00 P.M. (our clock), Friday, April 8, 2011 at which time they will be recorded, but not publicly opened, to consider contracting for dredging and dewatering services for the Larimer County Engineering Department. A Pre-proposal Conference is scheduled for 1:00 PM, on Tuesday March 29, 2011, in the Lake Estes Conference Room, 200 W. Oak Street, 3rd Floor, Fort Collins, Colorado. All questions regarding this proposal should go to Ms. Kathryn Rowe, Purchasing Director, at (970) 498-5956. Questions may be faxed to Ms. Rowe at 970-498-5959, or e-mailed to krowe@larimer.org. Please call to verify receipt of your questions. No additional questions will be accepted after the date and time referenced above.
March 14, 2011 - Oregon Inlet May Close
	A Coast Guard captain said Friday that he is prepared to close Oregon Inlet, North Carolina to recreational and commercial boat traffic within weeks if sand continues to accumulate in the dynamic waterway faster than dredging can remove it, the Virginian-Pilot reported. The shoaling around the Bonner Bridge has increased exponentially, elevating the navigational risks to dangerous levels. Capt. Anthony Popiel said safety is his main concern in deciding whether to close the inlet or implement restrictions, according the the Virginian-Pilot article. "It seems like it could be as soon as the next couple of weeks," he said. An extended closure of Oregon Inlet could seriously affect the Outer Banks' fishing and boating industries, estimated in a 2006 Dare County report to annually produce more than $682 million and support 9,851 jobs. The inlet is the only route to the Atlantic Ocean between Hampton Roads and Hatteras Inlet. Cut and past this link to view the entire story: http://hamptonroads.com/2011/03/coast-guard-considers-shutting-down-oregon-inlet
March 2, 2011 - GPS Signals Endangered
	AEM recently hosted a briefing of industry groups and DC-based member companies regarding a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) interim decision on the bandwidth adjacent to the GPS spectrum. The FCC granted a waiver for a new company to build a new broadband network over the objections of industry groups and federal agencies. The groups feel the new spectrum network runs too close to the GPS spectrum and could cause significant interference. A major concern is the new company itself was put in charge of the process and given only a few months to evaluate the interference issue. GPS providers believe this issue needs to be studied objectively and much more extensively than this time will allow. AEM has joined a coalition of concerned associations and business to ensure that GPS users concerns are heard by the FCC.
February 22, 2011 - U.S. Machinery Exports Up 28 Percent
	The market for exports of U.S.-made construction machinery closed out 2010 with a gain of more than 28 percent compared to the previous year, for a total of $16.4 billion dollars’ worth of equipment sold worldwide, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The AEM North American-based international trade group consolidates U.S. Commerce Department data with other sources into a quarterly export trends report.
February 21, 2011 - President's Budget Includes $4.631 Billion for Civil Works
	The President’s Budget for fiscal year 2012 (FY12) includes $4.631 billion in gross discretionary funding for the Civil Works program of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), offset in part by a proposal to cancel $57 million of prior year funding, of which $35 million was provided through an emergency supplemental appropriation. The Honorable Jo-Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, said, "This year’s Civil Works budget for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reflects the Administration’s priorities through targeted investments in the nation’s infrastructure that help restore the environment and revitalize the economy, while also reflecting the need to make the tough choices necessary to put the country on a fiscally sustainable path. "The Budget funds the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of projects, and focuses on the three main Civil Works mission areas: commercial navigation, flood and coastal storm damage reduction, and aquatic ecosystem restoration, as well as hydropower," she said.
February 18, 2011 - HMTF Bill Introduced in Senate
	Barry Holliday has announced that Senator Carl Levin and 13 Senate co-sponsors introduced the Senate version of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Act on Thursday, February 17. The co-sponsors are: Sen. Barbara Boxer, CA; Sen. Sherrod Brown, OH; Sen. John Cornyn, TX; Sen Al Franken,MN; Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand, NY; Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, TX; Sen. Amy Klobuchar, MN; Sen. Mary Landrieu, LA; Sen. Joseph Lieberman, CT; Sen. Richard C. Shelby, AL; Sen. Debbie Stabenow, MI; Sen. David Vitter, LA; and Sen. Ron Wyden, OR.
February 15, 2011 - AEM President Calls for Bipartisan Responsibility for Budget
	Dennis Slater, president of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers,(AEM) has issued the following statement regarding President Obama's proposed budget: "President Obama's transportation budget proposal is a good start, as it recognizes that rebuilding and modernizing roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure would create American jobs and make our nation more competitive with other countries. Unfortunately, however, the proposal falls short by not addressing the crucial issue of how this essential infrastructure investment will be funded, putting in question whether it will ever be approved. "A long-term transportation policy for the country requires both bipartisan leadership and action. We hope that the budget released yesterday by the White House is an indication that President Obama intends to provide that leadership, and America's equipment manufacturers stand ready to help. Repairing unsafe roads and bridges and building a surface transportation framework that creates jobs and makes America more competitive is an urgent national priority that cannot wait."
February 15, 2011 - Measutronics Opens Seattle Office
	Measutronics Corporation has opened a new office in Seattle, Washington, the company announced on Monday, February 14.  Headquartered in Lakeland, Florida, Measutronics specializes in the integration and sales of positioning and sonar equipment for marine construction, hydrographic surveying, dredging, and structure monitoring.   "While we have always provided equipment and services in North America, a strategic position on the West Coast is important to engage and support the current projects and requirements of our customers," President Lou Nash said.  "We are excited to service the growing needs of the west coast more directly."   Measutronics' west coast office is open immediately.
January 25, 2011 - Obama to Cite Infrastructure Projects in Address
	In tonight's State of the Union address, President Obama is expected to announce infrastructure commitments that would help improve the industry outlook if enacted, AGC officials said. AGC, the Associated General Contractors of America, is an advocacy association for the non-residential construction industry. “There’s no doubt new infrastructure investments will help improve the construction employment picture,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, AGC's chief executive officer. “More important, those investments will help give the broader business community a much needed competitive advantage by cutting shipping delays and improving operating efficiency.”
January 25, 2011 - Dredge Texas Goes Aground on Brownsville Jetty
	The GLDD cutterhead dredge Texas ran aground at the Brownsville-Santiago Pass, Texas south jetty during a storm on Thursday, January 20. A Coast Guard report said the dredge suffered severe damage, and was towed to Port Isabel. The crew transferred fuel from the damaged fuel tank to un-damaged tanks to reduce the risk of pollution. The Texas was working on a Corps of Engineers contract to dredge the Brownsville Ship Channel and assist in the re-nourishment of South Padre Island beaches.
January 25, 2011 - Stephen Apsey is New Teledyne Odom General Manager
	Stephen Apsey became general manager of Teledyne Odom Hydrographic on December 24, upon the retirement of Richard Byrd. Apsey has had a lifelong connection with the company and “has a keen understanding of the environment and applications of the Odom instruments,” said a company news release. “He has designed or been involved in the design of many of the Odom projects, and possesses a broad understanding of the business aspects of the product line,” the statement said. The company held a retirement party for Byrd on January 10, in conjunction with the annual HYPACK conference in New Orleans.
January 21, 2011 - NWC Legislative Summit Planned for March
	The National Waterways Conference will hold its 2011 Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. On March 8 – 9 at the Phoenix Park Hotel on the corner of North Capitol Street, NW and Massachusetts Avenue, two blocks from the U.S. Capitol building. Register online at www.waterways.org, or call 703-243-4090.
January 21, 2011 - Dredging 2012 to be in San Diego, October 2012
	PIANC USA and COPRI/ASCE have announced that their fourth specialty conference on dredging and dredged material disposal – Dredging 2012 – will be held on October 22-25, 2012 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, San Diego, California. The conference hotel was chosen for its location fronting San Diego Bay, on Harbor Island. The theme of the conference is “Dredging in the 21st Century – 40 Years of Dredging and Environmental Innovation”.  Since it will have been ten years since the last conference, held in Orlando, Florida in 2002, many new issues have emerged and will be discussed and debated.  A call for abstracts will be issued in 2011.
January 14, 2011 - Draka to Provide Cable for Boskalis Vessel
	Draka Offshore announced today that Keppel Singmarine has selected Draka as a cable supplier for its production of Hull 362 for Royal Boskalis Westminster. The contract requires Draka to deliver the first batch of cable during first quarter 2011 which is being manufactured at the company's Asian marine cable manufacturing facility located in Suzhou, China.
January 13, 2011 - Report Says Jones Act Did Not Hinder Oil Cleanup
	The January 11, 2011 report from the non-partisan National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling confirmed the Jones Act did not prevent foreign vessels from assisting with the clean-up effort during the Deep Water Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico last year.  “Deep Water: The Gulf Oil Disaster and the Future of Offshore Drilling” was prepared by the independent entity at the request of President Barack Obama.   “While decision makers did decline to purchase some foreign equipment for operational reasons ‒ for example, Dutch vessels that would have taken weeks to outfit and sail to the region, and a Taiwanese super-skimmer that was expensive and highly inefficient in the Gulf ‒ they did not reject foreign ships because of Jones Act restrictions,” the report concluded.  “When the Act did apply, the National Incident Commander appears to have granted waivers and exemptions when requested.”   “This report confirms what Admiral Thad Allen and so many others have been saying all along: The Jones Act in no way, shape, and form hindered the BP clean-up effort,” said James Henry, chairman of the Maritime Cabotage Task Force.  “Thousands of American vessels were already at work cleaning up oil in the Gulf and, when necessary, qualified foreign vessels identified as suitable by unified command participated in the effort.  We are pleased the president’s commission has concluded the Jones Act did not obstruct efforts to clean up the worst oil spill in U.S. history.”
January 5, 2011 - RAMP Act Introduced
	Congressman Boustany (R-LA) and Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT) along with 25 other original cosponsors have submitted the RAMP Act (Realize America's Maritime Promise) to the House floor.
January 3, 2011 - Great Lakes D&D Acquires L.W. Matteson, Inc.
	Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation announced on January 3 that it had acquired the assets of L.W. Matteson, Inc. of Burlington, Iowa for $45 million. The acquisition will be funded with $37.5 million in cash and a seller note of $7.5 million.
December 20, 2010 - Abstract Deadline for WEDA/TAMU Extended
	The abstract deadline for the WEDA 31 and TAMU 42 Western Hemisphere Dredging Conference has been extended to January 21, 2011. Larry Patella, executive director of WEDA made the announcement on December 20, noting that some prospective authors had requested the extension. The event will take place in Nashville on June 5 – 8. The WEDA Web site is www.westerndredging.org
December 15, 2010 - Van Raalte, Bray to Lead Dredging Seminar
	Ir. Gerard van Raalte and Nick Bray will lead the Seminar on Environmental Aspects of Dredging, to be held at the Delft University of Technology on March 10 and 11, 2011. Sponsored by Delft University's Post Graduate Education (PAO), IADC and CEDA, the seminar will examine the interface of dredging with the environment. Contact info@pao.tudelft.nl or see Web site www.pao.tudelft.nl
December 6, 2010 - Manufacturers Praise Korean Deal
	Dennis Slater, president of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) released a statement following President Obama's announcement of an export agreement with South Korea on December 6: "On behalf of America's equipment manufacturing industry, we applaud President Obama and President Lee Myung-bak of South Korea on reaching a pro-American export agreement that is expected to increase annual exports of American goods by up to $11 billion and support at least 70,000 American jobs. Eliminating trade barriers and allowing our farmers and manufacturers to sell their products in new markets is vital to significantly improving our economy. "Although we are pleased by the progress made between our two countries, Congress must take immediate action in order to reap the benefits of this agreement. America's manufacturing community calls on Congress to enact the U.S.-Korea export policy, and to simultaneously pass the additional pro-America export agreements for consideration before them, like those with Colombia and Panama. Each of these new export policies will allow our American-made products to be sold overseas, stimulating economic growth and generating U.S. jobs, something every Member of Congress should be proud to be a part of."
December 1, 2010 - Smart Rivers Abstract Deadline January 24
	Kelly Barnes, USA Deputy Secretary for PIANC, reminds the dredging community that abstracts for the Smart Rivers 2011 conference are due on January 24, 2011. The three-day technical conference will be held in New Orleans on September 13-16, 2011 at the Westin Canal Place hotel. Conference topic is "Discover the Keys to Inland Navigation's Sustainable Future Around the World". The conference is organized by PIANC USA, along with more than 20 partnering organizations. Please cut and paste this URL for further information: http://smart11.pianc.us/program.cfm
November 15, 2010 - Caterpillar to Acquire Bucyrus
	Monday, November 15, 2010. Caterpillar Inc. of Peoria, Illinois (NYSE: CAT) and and Bucyrus International, Inc. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Nasdaq: BUCY) announced today they have entered into an agreement under which Caterpillar will acquire Bucyrus International in a transaction valued at approximately $8.6 billion (including net debt). The acquisition is based on Caterpillar’s key strategic imperative to expand its leadership in the mining equipment industry, and positions Caterpillar to capitalize on the robust long-term outlook for commodities driven by the trend of rapid growth in emerging markets which are improving infrastructure, rapidly developing urban areas and industrializing their economies.
November 11, 2010 - GLDD to Present at Investment Conference
	Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation announced on November 11 that it will be presenting at the Stephens Fall Investment Conference on Tuesday, November 16, 2010, and at the 2010 KeyBanc Capital Markets Engineering, Construction and Utilities Conference on Wednesday, November 17, 2010. The Stephens Fall Investment Conference presentation is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. A live Webcast of the presentation will be available on the Investor Relations section of the GLDD Web site at www.gldd.com. The Webcast and accompanying slide presentation will be archived on the Web site within 24 hours and will be available for at least two weeks.
October 21, 2010 - WEDA is Florida Engineers Education Provider
	The Florida Board of Professional Engineers has approved the Western Dredging Association’s request to be a Florida Board of Professional Engineers Continuing Education Provider, WEDA's Executive Directory Larry Patella announced on October 21. The provider status expires on May 31, 2011 and is renewable.
October 14, 2010 - HYPACK 2011 Scheduled for New Orleans
	HYPACK announced that their 2011 training conference will be held in New Orleans at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel on January 10 – 13. The three-day training will cover all the aspects of single beam and multibeam hydrographic surveying, and dredge management using HYPACK , HYSWEEP and DREDGEPACK software. The event includes exhibits by hydrographic survey software and hardware manufacturers, equipment resellers and service providers.
October 13, 2010 - Jan de Nul to Deepen Callao Channel in Peru
	On September 28, the Jan De Nul Group signed a contract with the Peruvian Government to deepen the Port of Callao entrance channel from the existing 14 meters (46 feet) to 16 meters (52.5 feet). The deepening will make Callao one of the deepest container and general cargo ports on the Latin American Pacific Coast. The work also includes widening the entrance mouth of the harbor, involving partial demolition of the breakwater, and reconstruction and piling works.
October 13, 2010 - Gulf Coast (WEDA) Chapter Meeting on November 2 and 3
	The WEDA Gulf Coast Chapter will meet in New Orleans at the Hotel Monteleone on November 2 and 3 (Tuesday and Wednesday). There will be a tour of the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal/Lake Borgne Surge Barrier on Tuesday at 11:45 a.m., followed by an icebreaker at 6:30 that evening. Thursday’s program includes presentation of Corps FY11 dredging schedules, an update on the dredging response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill by team leader Ancil Taylor, a talk on turtle rescue by Dena Dickerson, as well as talks on other topics of interest. Online registration is at Web site: http://wedagulfcoastchap2010.eventbrite.com; or contact Michelle Daigle, chapter vice president, phone: 504-862-2731; email: michelle.c.daigle “at” usace.army.mil
October 11, 2010 - WEDA Pacific Chapter Meeting Coming Up
	The Port of Anchorage Expansion, Columbia River Deepening and observations on the dredging response to the Gulf oil spill are three topics planned for the Pacific Chapter meeting at the Seaside Embassy Suites Hotel, Monterey, California, October 27 - 29. Get information at the group's Web site: www.pacificweda.org
September 14, 2010 - Supplemental Sediment Sampling Program Begins in Upper Hudson
	Starting later this week, GE contractors will begin the 2010 Supplemental Engineering Data Collection program. Additional core sampling will be initiated under the program to assist in further delineating the depth of contamination in the river sediments. Nearly 500 additional sediment samples will be collected between Rogers Island and Three Sisters Islands.
September 13, 2010 - Crew Members Kidnapped from Jan de Nul Dredge
	On Sunday evening, September 12, an armed gang attacked Jan de Nul's dredge Amerigo Vespucci in Camaroon, West Africa. Despite actions of the captain, the attackers kidnapped two crew members, a Filipino and a Croatian. The origin of the armed men is unknown. In a press release, the Jan de Nul Group said "the crisis team of Jan De Nul Group met around midnight and all departments, employers, authorities and families concerned, have been informed. The company does everything to assure the safety of the crew."
September 7, 2010 - Mackie Resigns as GLDD President; Jonathan Berger Takes Over
	Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (NASDAQ:GLDD) – announced on Tuesday, September 7 that Douglas B. Mackie had resigned his positions as president and chief executive officer, and will become chairman emeritus and senior advisor to the company. He remains a director of GLDD. The board has appointed Jonathan Berger as chief executive officer of the company. He has served as a member of the Great Lakes board of directors since December, 2006 and served as chair of the Audit Committee. Berger will remain a director, but will no longer serve on that committee. Deborah A. Wensel, senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, will resign her positions, and remain as a consultant to the company to assist in the transition through the end of the year. The board has appointed Bruce J. Biemeck as president and chief financial officer. Biemeck has served as a member of the company’s board of directors since December, 2006, and most recently served as lead director, chair of the Compensation committee, and a member of the Audit committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance committee. Biemeck will remain a director, but will no longer serve as lead director or on any board committees.
August 27, 2010 - Eastern Chapter Meeting Scheduled
	The annual NAD/SAD/WEDA Eastern Chapter meeting will be held this year in Tampa, Florida at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, located at 2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607. Guestrooms have been blocked for the nights of Monday, October 4, through Wednesday October 6, 2010. The Government rate is $101 per night and the non-Government rate is $155 per night. Please call the hotel toll free at 1-888-421-1442 and mention the group name "Western Dredging Association" to make reservations. The room reservation deadline is Saturday, September 18, 2010. The hotel is located close to the Tampa Airport and hotel transportation to and from the airport is provided at no charge. Contact Jeff McKee at 202-761-4474 to receive registration form or email: Jeffrey.A.McKee "at" usace.army.mil
July 20, 2010 - AGC Says Construction Employment Close to Stabilizing
	Construction employment edged closer to stabilizing in June, as half the states either added construction jobs or kept the same number as in May, the Associated General Contractors reported in an analysis of federal employment data released today. Compared to June 2009, construction employment rose in six states, the largest number of states to post year-over-year increases since October 2008.
July 13, 2010 - Jewel Fisher Dies
	Jewel Fisher, former partner with her husband King in Kingfisher Marine Services, died on Monday, July 12, 2010 at her home in Port Lavaca, Texas. She was 91. Her children included daughters Linda (Mrs. Tim) Laquay, former co-owner of T.W. LaQuay Dredging, and Mrs. Waymon Boyd, wife of Waymon Boyd, who is vice chairman of Kingfisher Marine Service. A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren will remember Mrs. Fisher with love. Mrs. Fisher was involved in the management of Kingfisher Marine Services for the 58-years of the Fishers' ownership of the company. Mrs. Fisher had a rich history of community involvement - she served on many community boards, including the hospital board, and gave tirelessly of her time to many community activities. Mrs. Fisher always pursued personal achievements as well. She was the first certified woman pilot in Calhoun County Texas. She remained a voracious reader, often reading two books each week until her passing. Services in Port Lavaca, Texas on July 15, 2010.
July 3, 2010 - Corps Denies Permit for Rock Dikes in Barataria Bay
	Today, July 3, 2010, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District commander Col. Al Lee denied a Jefferson Parish request to build rock dikes in the Barataria Basin. In a letter to Jefferson Parish, Col. Lee offered (in part) the following explanation: “My effort to facilitate a decision that best serves the public interest required careful review of the supporting documentation you furnished and affording state and federal resource agencies and the scientific community an opportunity to provide meaningful input on the proposed action. Additionally, scientists and engineers of the New Orleans District, Mississippi Valley Division and Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) conducted a technical assessment of the effects these structures would likely have on coastal processes, the attendant consequences for the Barataria Bay estuarine system, and relative benefit derived from these structures in reducing the intrusion of oil into the estuary. The findings I have reached based on close examination of the project and comments received from agency coordination raise very serious concern with granting authorization to perform this work in accordance with our emergency permit provisions.”
July 1, 2010 - Woods Hole vessel Studying Oil Plumes in Gulf of Mexico
	A multidisciplinary team of investigators from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution embarked June 17 on a twelve-day research effort in the Gulf of Mexico aboard the R/V Endeavor, conducting three simultaneous projects funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF) “RAPID” program. The projects aim to characterize subsurface oil plumes extending from the Deepwater Horizon well head using novel technology and the latest in biogeochemical techniques. The research should help answer looming questions about the fate of oil released into the water, examining the physical extent, chemical composition, and biological impact of subsea plumes. "The project has been implemented in a remarkably short period of time, deploying some of the most advanced technology available for underwater chemical sampling, and underwater autonomous vehicles," said Phillip Taylor, acting director of NSF's Division of Ocean Sciences. "The effort is another example of research scientists stepping up quickly to address the crucial and challenging questions about the fate and environmental consequences of the spilled oil."
July 1, 2010 - Orion Marine Group Closes $75 Million Revolving Credit Facility
	Orion Marine Group, Inc. (NYSE: ORN) has entered into a new $75 million revolving credit facility. An additional $25 million is available under the facility subject to the lenders’ discretion. This new facility replaces the existing debt facility that would have matured in September of this year. The new credit facility may be used to fund acquisitions, finance working capital, repay indebtedness, and other general corporate purposes. The facility matures on June 30, 2013, and is guaranteed by the Company’s subsidiaries. "We are pleased with the support from our banks for this new, larger facility," said Mark Stauffer, Orion Marine Group's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "The increase in the new facility will provide us the flexibility we need to remain opportunistic and meet future growth needs." Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. acted as sole lead arranger and bookrunner for the facility.
June 30, 2010 - 294 out of 337 Metro Areas Lose Construction Jobs Between May 2009 and May 2010
	294 out of 337 Metro Areas Lose Construction Jobs Between May 2009 and May 2010, reflecting weak demand and oerdue infrastructure bills, according to a report issued by the Associated General Contractors. The construction segment of the economy reflects directly on the health of the aggregates industry, a significant user of dredging equipment. Association officials urged Congress and the Obama Administration to quickly pass a number of multi-year infrastructure bills so construction firms can adjust their payrolls to meet future demand. They noted that with legislation that sets funding levels for the nation’s highways, transit systems, airports, waterways, drinking and sewer systems all months overdue, contractors are hesitant to expand payrolls. Most Jobs Added in Columbus, Ohio While Eau Claire, Wisconsin Has Highest Rate of Job Growth; Chico, California Has Highest Rate of Decline and Chicago Loses Most Jobs Construction employment continued to suffer significant declines in the majority of metropolitan areas according to an analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. The figures reflect continued weak private, state and local demand as well as a lack of long-term projects caused by stalled federal infrastructure bills, association officials noted. “With current demand soft and chances of a turnaround months away, construction firms are unwilling to expand payrolls,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Contractors know there’s nothing to take up the slack once the stimulus runs its course.” Simonson noted that construction employment declined in 294 metropolitan areas between May 2009 and May 2010, increased in 16 metro areas, and held steady in another 27. He added that 11 metro areas have lost over 10,000 construction jobs each during the past 12 months, while one-in-three cities added 1,000 or more jobs during the same period. Chicago lost the most construction jobs between May 2009 and 2010 (21,900, 16 percent), followed by Houston, Texas (18,400 jobs, 10 percent) and Los Angeles-Long Beach (17,300 jobs, 15 percent). Chico, California experienced the largest percentage decrease in construction employment (33 percent, 900 jobs), followed by Flagstaff, Arizona (32 percent, 700 jobs); Pascagoula, Mississippi (31 percent, 1,900 jobs); Monroe, Michigan (29 percent, 700 jobs); and Lewiston, along the Idaho-Washington border (25 percent, 300 jobs). Columbus, Ohio, added the highest number of construction jobs during the past year (1,500 jobs, 5 percent), followed by Kansas City, Kansas (1,100 jobs, 6 percent) and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (1,000 jobs, 4 percent). Two metro areas recorded double-digit percentage gains in construction employment: Eau Claire, Wisconsin (17 percent, 500 jobs) and Haverhill-North Andover-Amesbury along the New Hampshire-Massachusetts border (11 percent, 400 jobs). Association officials urged Congress and the Obama Administration to quickly pass a number of multi-year infrastructure bills so construction firms can adjust their payrolls to meet future demand. They noted that with legislation that sets funding levels for the nation’s highways, transit systems, airports, waterways, drinking and sewer systems all months overdue, contractors are hesitant to expand payrolls.
June 28, 2010 - Statement of Maritime Cabotage Task Force Opposing S. 3525, Legislation to Repeal Jones Act
	"We oppose this legislation. All the McCain bill would do is put more Americans out of work. "The McCain bill proposes to eliminate the very American industry that is helping to clean up the spill - an industry that supports 500,000 U.S. jobs - and outsource that work to foreign workers and foreign companies registered in nations like Liberia and the Marshall Islands that operate outside of American law. Using a spill caused by foreign companies as a pretext to bring in more foreign companies is a backward approach. It makes as much sense as replacing the American workers currently cleaning up the Gulf beaches with foreign companies and foreign workers. "The McCain legislation is based on the completely false claim that the Jones Act is hindering the Gulf clean-up effort. The Coast Guard and National Incident Command have unambiguously rejected that idea. They should know the truth better than anyone. While there is a critical shortage of supplies like skimmers and boom, scores of large American vessels are standing by in the Gulf ready to deploy these supplies and equipment as they become available. Specialized foreign oil spill response vessels are welcome and already working -- they either do not need a Jones Act waiver, or can get one without delay. "Finally, the McCain bill is based on studies that are outdated and widely discredited. Long ago, the U.S. Government Accountability Office in response to a request from Senator McCain reviewed those same studies and advised the Senator that they failed to accurately assess the costs and benefits of the Jones Act."
June 28, 2010 - Port of Houston Commissioners to Consider Berth Dredging
	At its meeting on Tuesday, June 29, the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority will consider nearly $2 million for maintenance dredging of the Authority's berths at its terminals along the Houston Ship Channel and a $68,000 Texas Transportation Institute study to evaluate the economic impacts of the lack of dredging. Chairman Jim Edmonds will preside over the meeting, with Commissioners Steve Phelps, Jim Fonteno, Kase Lawal, Jimmy Burke, Janiece Longoria, and Elyse Lanier attending.
June 28, 2010 - VeruTEK Submits 'Green' Dispersant for Oil Spill Approval
	VeruTEK Technologies, Inc. of Bloomfield, Connecticut has submitted its VeruSOL Marine product family to the National Contingency Plan use in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. VeruSOL Marine is an environmentally-friendly dispersant derived from plant materials. It contains no solvents, alcohols or ethers. Recently-released aquatic toxicology results have proven the product’s safety. VeruSOL Marine treated areas are not harmful to workers or the local population. It is a fast-acting plant-based solution that is a biofriendly, biodegradable surfactant/oxidizer that cleans water, rock, sand, soil and building materials impacted by spilled oil. It associates directly with oil upon contact to emulsify then to facilitate destruction of oil, restoring a clean environment, not simply moving or absorbing the problem. Oil is emulsified into particles that are destroyed quickly by natural forces - the sun and bacteria. Independent lab results verified that VeruSOL Marine exceeds EPA National Contingency Plan (NCP) toxicology safety requirements. Testing documented very low toxicity levels, making the solution both safer and more effective than products currently used in the Gulf. One of the VeruTEK dispersants, VeruSOL Marine 300, was shown to be more than 30 times safer (791.2mg/L vs 25.2mg/L) than either of the two COREXIT dispersants in toxicity when tested with fish (Mendida berylilina). When tested with shrimp, VeruSOL Marine 300 was more than 10 times safer (444.2 mg/L vs 32.23 mg/L). The VeruSOL dispersants are safe for plants, wetlands, mammals and people. VeruSOLVE Marine works via a patent pending process called Surfactant-Enhanced Chemical Oxidation, which destroys oil on contact. It is delivered ready to use, and can be applied using standard spray equipment, which is ideal for treating access-limited areas and wetlands. The company has strategic partners in the Gulf, ready to deploy the product. "We believe VeruSOL and VeruSOLVE products can make a significant contribution in safely cleaning beaches and marshes in the Gulf," said John Collins, chief executive officer of VeruTEK.
June 25, 2010 - McCain Moves to Repeal Jones Act
	The Maritime Executive today reported that Senator John McCain has introduced legislation to repeal the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly known as the Jones Act. McCain called the act “a law that hinders free trade and favors labor unions over consumers.” In the article, Sen. McCain claimed that the U.S. turned down offers of overseas help in responding to the Deepwater Horizon disaster on April 20, citing the restrictions of the Merchant Marine Act.
June 23, 2010 - Task Force Answers Jones Act Questions
	The Maritime Cabotage Task Force has issued a document with frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly known as the Jones Act, and its application to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The questions and answers refer to the use of foreign vessels in U.S. waters, and point out that since the Jones Act does not apply outside the three-mile limit, and all the skimming operations are taking place outside that limit, the Jones Act is not a factor in accepting the aid of foreign-owned vessels in that part of the cleanup. (See the complete document in the Features section of this Web site.)
June 23, 2010 - Dredging in Reach E-4 Temporarily Halted
	The United States Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District, in close coordination with its federal partners, the State of Louisiana and the Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure Group, directed a temporary halt to dredging operations in the littoral system of Reach E-4 near the Chandeleur Islands until additional pipeline is in place to allow dredging from the approved borrow site in Hewes Point. “The littoral zone supports currents that carry sediment and organic material critical to the integrity of the natural barrier islands,” stated New Orleans District Commander Col. Alvin Lee. “Dredging in this area could have long term effects on the viability of the Chandeleur Islands.” This decision follows the expiration at midnight last night of a temporary request granted by the Corps that authorized the State to proceed with the first 2,000 feet of Reach E4 using borrow from the littoral system. The June 13, 2010 request allowed the state one week to temporarily dredge from the littoral system and then immediately backfill the area. In determining the best course of action, the New Orleans district and its federal partners carefully considered the following alternatives: Option 1: Temporarily halt operations of the Dredge California and use its crew and vessels to move the additional 7,000 feet of pipeline in place prior to initiating dredging operations. The estimated required time to move this additional dredging pipeline into place in order to effect dredging from the approved site in Hewes Point is 5-7 days after tomorrow. The dredge downtime is approximately 5-7 days. The reason the duration for this option is shorter that Option 2 is that the Dredge California crew would also be assembling the dredge pipeline simultaneously with the pipeline crew. Option 2: Allow the Dredge California to continue dredging from the temporary dredging area for an additional 8-9 days while the additional 7,000 feet of dredged pipeline is being assembled. The amount of additional material removed from the temporary dredging area would be approximately 800,000-900,000 cubic yards. The dredge downtime is approximately 1-2 days. This option assumes the single crew assembling the dredging pipeline. “Scientists and engineers from the Corps of Engineers, USGS and other federal resource agencies have shared concerns in allowing the continuation of dredging in the littoral system,” stated New Orleans District Commander Col. Al Lee. “Among the concerns is that the removal of material in this area will create additional erosion issues and possible deterioration of the Chandeleur Islands. Option 1 was selected because it provided no additional removal of sediment from the littoral zone while still allowing the flexibility needed to ensure the project is completed in a timely manner. The New Orleans District will continue to work very closely with the State of Louisiana, their contractor Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure Group and our Federal partners, to ensure timely execution of this project.
June 21, 2010 - Jones Act Not Inhibiting Use of Oil Spill Response Vessels
	There has been “no case” where the federal government has refused use of foreign vessels in the Gulf oil spill clean-up because of the Jones Act, according to a statement released by the National Incident Command (NIC). Some have criticized the Jones Act, which requires the use of American vessels for transportation in domestic commerce, for hindering the Gulf clean-up. Not true, said the NIC and the Coast Guard. “In no case has the Federal On Scene Coordinator (FOSC) or Unified Area Command declined to request assistance or accept offers of assistance of foreign vessels that meet an operational need because the Jones Act was implicated,” said a June 17 NIC Fact Sheet. The NIC Fact Sheet noted that foreign vessels from many nations are already working in the Gulf. The Jones Act only applies within three miles of shore. Therefore, foreign skimmers, along with American skimmers, are already at work beyond three miles. The Deepwater Horizon spill is occurring 50 miles from shore, and the vast majority of oil is beyond 3 miles. In addition, the Coast Guard’s FOSC last week issued a determination allowing the deployment of foreign skimmers within three miles because of the need for unprecedented numbers of skimmers. Many American skimming vessels are already skimming in the Gulf and many more are standing by available but unused so far. Federal law always permits waivers of the Jones Act to allow foreign vessels when no American vessel is available. The NIC has instituted streamlined procedures to ensure that such waiver requests are considered quickly during the Gulf crisis. However, “To date, no waivers of the Jones Act … has been required because none of the foreign vessels currently operating as part of the … response has required such a waiver,” the NIC said on June 17. The Maritime Cabotage Task Force (MCTF), a national coalition of the American shipping and shipyard industry, called the criticisms of the Jones Act “unfounded.” The MCTF said, “The American shipping industry cares deeply about the Gulf and has launched an all-hands-on-deck effort to help with the Gulf clean-up and more American vessels are standing by, eager to help. The Jones Act is no impediment to the clean-up for all the reasons outlined by the NIC and has not been an impediment to the use of foreign skimmers and other foreign vessels in the Gulf.”
June 17, 2010 - EPA Puts Gowanus Canal on Superfund Priorities List
	On March 2, 2010, EPA added the Gowanus Canal to the Agency’s Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). Placing the Canal on the list allows the agency to further investigate contamination at the site and develop an approach to address the contamination. The Gowanus Canal, in Brooklyn, New York, is bounded by several communities including Park Slope, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens and Red Hook. The canal empties into New York Harbor. Completed in 1869, the canal was once a major transportation route for the then-separate cities of Brooklyn and New York City. Manufactured gas plants, mills, tanneries, and chemical plants are among the many facilities that operated along the canal. As a result of years of discharges, storm water runoff, sewer outflows and industrial pollutants, the Gowanus Canal has become one of the nation's most extensively contaminated water bodies. Contaminants include PCBs, coal tar wastes, heavy metals and volatile organics. The contamination poses a threat to the nearby residents who use the canal for fishing and recreation.
June 17, 2010 - Corps Suspends Surface Mining Permit
	The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today it has suspended the use of Nationwide Permit 21 (NWP 21) in the Appalachian region of six states. NWP 21 is used to authorize discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States for surface coal mining activities. The suspension is effective immediately and applies to the Appalachian region of Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. NWP 21 continues to be available in other regions of the country. The suspension in Appalachia will remain in effect until the Corps takes further action on NWP 21 or until NWP 21 expires on March 18, 2012. While the suspension is in effect, individuals who propose surface coal mining projects that involve discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States will have to obtain Department of the Army authorization under the Clean Water Act, through the Individual Permit process. The individual permit evaluation procedure provides increased public involvement in the permit evaluation process, including an opportunity for public comment on individual projects.
June 17, 2010 - Great Lakes Mobilizes Dredge California in Gulf; Texas, Alaska and Liberty Island on the Way
	On June 14, 2010, Great Lakes’ cutter suction dredge, the California, began pumping sand at the Chandeleur Islands for delivery to berm construction locations. On June 15, 2010, prime contractor Shaw requested Great Lakes to mobilize its cutter suctions dredges Texas and Alaska, its hopper dredge Liberty Island and other ancillary equipment to work on the creation of these berms. Additionally, Great Lakes has submitted proposals to Shaw for an additional three dredges and ancillary support equipment to be used in the berm construction project. Should Great Lakes proposals be accepted, the total scope of work contracted to Great Lakes could range from four to seven dredges and other ancillary equipment. BP has committed $360 million to the State of Louisiana for this project.
June 16, 2010 - CJW Launches Dredge at Imperial Dam
	CJW Construction has launched their IMS Model 7012 HP Versi-Dredge at Imperial Dam in Imperial County, California as part of a $11.8 million contract with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The project involves removing 1.2 million cubic yards of material from a 50-acre site to increase water delivery capacity to the All American and Gila Gravity main canal headworks for irrigation in the Yuma, Arizona area.
June 16, 2010 - Stuyvesant Deployed to Oil Spill
	The hopper dredge Stuyvesant has been deployed to the Gulf of Mexico to deliver sand to the protective berm project along the Louisiana coastline. The 75-kilometer/45-mile-long berm system will be six feet high, stretching from East Grand Terre Island to Sandy Point, in line with the Chandeleur Islands. The Stuyvesant is an 11,000-cubic-yard, U.S. flag hopper dredge owned by Royal Boskalis Westminster, and operated by Stuyvesant Dredging Company of Metairie, Louisiana.
June 14, 2010 - Vacuum Barges Approved for Oil Removal in Marshes
	The Louisiana National Guard has received approval from the U.S. Coast Guard to field ten additional vacuum barges to remove oil from marsh and inland areas of Louisiana’s coast, bringing the number approved to 13. The two vacuum barges already in operation -- one made of military float bridges, and the other a civilian barge – are recovering approximately 1,000 gallons of oil each per day. As of June 10, the barges had collected more than 6,400 gallons., bringing the number approved to 13. The newly approved vacuum barges will be placed in coordination with parish officials and the Coast Guard at locations in Plaquemines, Jefferson, Lafourche, St. Bernard and Terrebonne parishes.
June 12, 2010 - Louisiana Attorney General Files Petition Against BP
	On Thursday, June 10, Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell filed a Petition for Discovery and Investigation against BP in state court in Plaquemines Parish. The petition alleges that BP has failed to cooperate and share important information with the State, specifically information requested repeatedly by the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Social Services regarding all claims data collected by ESIS, the third party administrator for claims, and for information about workers hired by BP. The purpose of the petition is to gather information as part of the State’s investigation as to the causes of the spill and impacts to our state. “Today’s filing was a last resort in trying to get information from BP that the Department of Social Services and the Louisiana Workforce Commission have requested repeatedly from BP since May 3 regarding the BP claims process,” stated Attorney General Caldwell. “To date, the State has made several requests for this information and/or further explanation but has not received an adequate response. I was hopeful that BP would cooperate and coordinate its response with the State; however that does not appear to be the case. Today’s petition is a request for a court to order BP to produce information that the State needs to monitor BP's claims process to ensure that our citizens are being treated fairly and receiving proper assistance. As Attorney General, be assured that I will take any and all necessary legal actions to safeguard the interests of those citizens and other entities of Louisiana who elect to file or are considering filing claims through the process BP has established.”
June 12, 2010 - Ray Bergeron is Dredger of the Year
	Raymond Bergeron was named Dredger of the Year at the Western Dredging Association annual conference, held near San Juan, Puerto Rico. The award, given to a member who has had an outstanding impact on the dredging industry and on the organization, cited Bergeron’s design of the Cable Arm -- a level cut dredging bucket that can remove bottom material without releasing contaminants into the water column. Bergeron told IDR on June 12 that he owes the bucket’s success to the willingness of the dredging industry to embrace new ideas and new technology.
June 12, 2010 - Eric Seagren Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
	Eric Seagren was presented with the Western Dredging Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award during the organization’s annual conference in Puerto Rico. Seagren spent his career advocating the use of small dredges to maintain lakes and ponds, and worked in dredge sales and education, as well as writing a number of works describing techniques for dredging lakes and for using polymers and other methods to return clear water back to the lake. Seagren is in ill health and was not able to attend the presentation, and the plaque with a detailed description of his achievements has been shipped to him.
June 4, 2010 - Jindal Contracts with Bean Dredging and Shaw Engineering for Dredging
	Governor Bobby Jindal released the following statement today regarding his meeting with President Obama and elected officials in New Orleans, concerning the response efforts to the ongoing BP oil spill: “I am glad the president came today. Every time he comes to Louisiana the pace of the response efforts quickens and things get done. Shortly before his first visit during this spill, Admiral Allen was named as Incident Commander. Before his visit last week, the Coast Guard called for BP to pay for one of the segments in our sand boom plan and before his visit this week, the Coast Guard called on BP to pay for the construction of all six segments approved by the Corps – although BP still hasn’t given the state a dime to pay for the work. “Just as we said yesterday, we told the President we are moving ahead without BP. We already signed contracts to begin this work with Shaw and Bean Dredging. We put in a request to the Army Corps of Engineers this morning to release their available dredges and they have identified four dredges – including one located close to the site that is most likely to be available – the California. I met with the CEO of Shaw today and they said that if the US Army Corps of Engineers will allow them to borrow sand closer to the dredging sites, which we will replace, we could see sand by Monday. “We are moving forward with or without BP. We gave them two choices – they can either send us a check, get out of the way and let us start this work, or they can sign a contract and do it themselves. We are going ahead without them. Last night, we met with Admiral Allen and he said he feels like he is making progress in getting BP to actually pay for this work. To date, BP has done a great job in sending us press releases and attorneys, but they haven’t sent us any money to dredge.” Governor Jindal also stressed the need to ensure BP is paying claims to Louisiana residents in a timely and responsible fashion. The Governor said, “The Department of Social Services and the Workforce Commission have made repeated requests to review BP’s claims process and data, but BP still has not shared their full claims data for individuals and businesses. We are concerned about reports from citizens and parish officials that many people have not been paid by BP. According to information from BP, more than half of the claims for lost income have not even been processed and less than 25 percent of business interruption claims have been paid. In fact, the Attorney General’s Office filed a petition for discovery and investigation in state court today to order BP to produce information that the state needs to monitor their claims processes. “Our people deserve to be fully compensated for their losses. Instead of BP shelling out $50 million on an ad campaign that promises to do good work in responding to this spill, BP should just focus on actually doing a good job and spend the $50 million on assistance to our people, our industries and our communities that are suffering as a result of this ongoing spill.” While meeting with the President today, Governor Jindal also stressed his serious concerns about the President’s recent suspension of deepwater drilling activity. Governor Jindal said, “I shared my concerns about the President’s six-month suspension of activity at 33 permitted deepwater drilling rigs, including 22 deepwater drilling rigs off Louisiana’s coast. Our Department of Economic Development estimates that the active drilling suspension alone will result in a loss of 3,000 to 6,000 Louisiana jobs in the next two to three weeks and potentially over 10,000 Louisiana jobs within a few months. We risk losing more than 20,000 existing and potential new Louisiana jobs over 12 to 18 months, if this federal panel takes longer than six months to do their reviews and write their reports. “We absolutely want drilling to be done safely, but it shouldn’t take months of federal government committees and meetings. We need effective oversight of this industry. The federal government needs to do their job quickly so that thousands of Louisianians don’t lose their jobs.” During the meeting with the President, the Governor also stressed the importance of the Coast Guard approving the use of rocks and barges to block oil from entering into the Barataria Bay. This proposal will protect Grand Isle, Lafitte, and hundreds of thousands of acres of prime fishing grounds in Jefferson and Plaquemines Parishes from oil pollution. The Governor said, “Mayor Carmardelle has been working on the development of a plan to close the passes to the east and west of Grand Isle. This plan will use rocks and barges to narrow the passes and establish active sorbent and vacuum operations from barges closing the remaining gaps. The barges would be anchored down and then chained together to provide for a contiguous barrier across the passes to prevent more oil from getting into Barataria Bay, and facilitate the removal of oil.”
June 3, 2010 - Incident Commander Orders BP to Pay for Coastal Protections
	National Incident Commander Admiral Allen has directed BP to pay for five additional barrier island projects in Louisiana. "Consistent with all the work undertaken in recent weeks to assess Louisiana's barrier island proposal and gather input from local officials, environmental experts, and top scientists and engineers, I have directed BP to pay for five additional barrier island projects in addition to the one I approved last week as part of our continuing commitment to do everything possible to protect our vital coastal communities from BP's leaking oil. Based on a thorough expert analysis, we believe that these six total projects, which will be constructed expeditiously in the areas most at risk for long-term impact by oil, will effectively stem potential damage to these fragile shorelines," he said. "After committing to providing Governor Jindal our determination within 24 hours of our meeting with local officials and environmental experts to discuss these projects yesterday, I notified him this afternoon. I reiterated to him that this administration will hold BP responsible for providing full payment for any strategy that will protect our valuable coastal communities from the impacts of their catastrophe. "In addition, we are moving critical response assets across all the Gulf Coast states in preparation for potential near- and long-term oil impacts. In Alabama, the Coast Guard Cutter Cypress arrived in Mobile Bay today to protect Dauphin Island from the north and west. Tomorrow, we will commence a surge of boom to Alabama's Katrina Pass that will be positioned to create a funnel to collect oil that comes in with the tide. Additionally, we have deployed four coastal patrol boats to coordinate response in Alabama's coastal waters. "Four helicopters are being deployed to the Alabama, Mississippi and Florida coast to provide surveillance information to help skimmers position their efforts strategically to collect the most oil threatening the shore possible. The Coast Guard Cutter Tampa has a flight deck that will allow for these helicopters to refuel offshore, and the Coast Guard Cutter Elm is currently in the area off the coast of Pensacola, Florida, working around the clock to skim oil from the surface," he said.