Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, GA

PROJECT NAME AND STATE:  Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, GA

AUTHORIZATION:  Rivers and Harbors Act of 1880, as amended.

SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL DATA

O&M

Allocation for FY 2021

$147,000

Allocation for FY 2022

$3,577,000

Allocation for FY 2023

$3,777,000
President's Budget for FY 2024 $4,028,000

 

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION:  The Savannah District’s portion of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway consists of 161 miles of shallow draft channel from Port Royal Sound, SC to Cumberland Sound, FL.  The authorized depth of the project is -12 ft Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW).  The project provides safe movement of goods between major deep draft ports and offers vast recreational opportunities. The current controlling depth of the project is -3 feet below MLLW.

ACTIVITIES COMPLETED FOR FY2023Conduct maintenance dredging of critical reaches on the waterway.  Conduct minimal caretaker activities, i.e., condition surveys and minor project operations.  Prepare plans and specifications for a small maintenance dredging contract.  Continue to research and evaluate the effectiveness of the Jekyll creek TLP (Thin Layer Placement) beneficial use of dredge material site as a method to support ecosystem and habitat function goals, and increased marsh resilience to sea level rise. The continued research includes physical and biological parameters of post project conditions at the placement area and control site.

ACTIVITIES FOR FY2024:  Conduct maintenance dredging of critical reaches on the waterway.  Conduct minimal caretaker activities, i.e., condition surveys and minor project operations.  Prepare plans and specifications for a small maintenance dredging contract. Continue to research and evaluate the effectiveness of the Jekyll creek TLP (Thin Layer Placement) beneficial use of dredge material site as a method to support ecosystem and habitat function goals, and increased marsh resilience to sea level rise. The continued research includes physical and biological parameters of post project conditions at the placement area and control site.

ISSUES AND OTHER INFORMATION:  There are some major shoaling areas along the Georgia portion of the AIWW.  Jekyll Creek, Buttermilk Sound, Hell Gate, Fields Cut were dredged in FY 2019.  Elba Cut and Altamaha sound were dredged in FY2022.  Lack of sustainable and environmentally acceptable disposal areas limits dredging to only certain reaches should funding become available.  Vessel traffic must rely on accurate surveys and the Georgia Coast’s 7.0-foot tidal range in order to utilize the AIWW.  To develop sustainable and environmentally acceptable disposal areas, continued research and coordination with resource agencies is required. The District is developing alternative and beneficial uses of dredge material strategies that are cost efficient, environmentally sound, and promote regional sustainability and resiliency goals through coordination and research with all resource agencies.

ADMINISTRATION POSITION:  Project is consistent with current Administration policy.

ACTION OFFICER:  Spencer W. Davis, PMP                                24 April 2023
                                  CESAS/912-652-5195