authorized dimensions because of backlog maintenance
- The annual cost of O&M of the AIWW assuming
the channel has been fully dredged in the past to the
authorized length, width and depth - The annual O&M funding requested in the
President’s FY 2016 Budget by District - The amount of O&M funding received in FY 2016
Although a report was not provided, the information
showed that the estimated cost to return the project to the au-
thorized dimensions because of backlog maintenance would
be about $126 million. Once the waterway is returned to
its authorized dimensions, it was estimated to cost less than
$50 million in annual maintenance. These estimates do not
discriminate between federal and non-federal monies, but
are an estimate of overall need for the entire 1,100 miles. We
believe that with a concerted federal and non-federal fund-
ing effort, the most critical shoaling areas can be addressed
and the overall maintenance needs reduced to a number
more in-line with the annual maintenance needs.
Why are we cautiously optimistic in 2017? First, we are
pleased that President-elect Trump proposed a trillion dollar
investment in infrastructure development as part of his plat-
form for election. Water transportation is clearly the most
cost-effective and environmentally-sound means of freight
movement. If estimates from the U.S. Department of Trans-
portation are correct and freight movement increases by
45% by 2040, it will be incumbent upon us to develop and
maintain all possible avenues for moving products in the
decades to come. We see the AIWW as an integral piece of
the puzzle for the eastern seaboard and the nation.
Secondly, although the amount of AIWW funding
included in the President’s FY 17 budget is less than the
FY16 amounts, Congress provided additional funding for
inland waterways and small, remote and subsistence navi-
gation projects in previous years, and both houses of Con-
gress included additional funding in their individual FY17
appropriation bills before the election. These funding cat-
egories were included with bi-partisan support and we are
looking to increased funding through future USACE work
plans as was done in previous years.
Finally, we have a clearer picture of the O&M needs for the
AIWW. These estimates provide us a roadmap to pursue ad-
ditional non-federal partners to supplement federal funding
for their section of the waterway while continuing to pursue
federal appropriations. This year holds plenty of unknowns
regarding federal investments, but we believe we have new
opportunities to raise awareness and secure additional fund-
ing as we continue to be the Voice of the Waterway.