2006 News

July 19, 2006

Commissioners Announce Emergency Dredging of Port of Bucks County, Fairless Turning Basin

In close cooperation with the Army Corps of Engineers, the Port of Bucks County, the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority, U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum and U.S. Representative Michael G. Fitzpatrick, the Bucks County Board of Commissioners announced plans to commence emergency dredging within the Fairless Turning Basin and portions of the Delaware River within the Philadelphia to Trenton Federal Navigation Channel.

During the Delaware River basin floods of September, 2004, April, 2005 and June, 2006, a significant amount of debris collected within the Fairless Turning Basin and other areas along the river. Through the diligent efforts of the Port of Bucks team, along with collaborative assistance from the Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District and North Atlantic Division Office, $3.3 million has been authorized for the project.

“We want to commend Congressman Fitzpatrick and Senators Specter and Santorum for their efforts, and thank the Army Corps of Engineers for their prompt attention to this matter,” said Bucks County Commissioners’ Chairman James F. Cawley, Esq.

According to county Chief Operating Officer/Managing Director David M. Sanko, the amount of debris filling in the river prompted the U.S. Coast Guard to deem it “unsafe” for many vessels that routinely dock at the Port of Bucks County.

“We want to protect Bucks County jobs by restoring the river to its normal navigable capacity,” Sanko added.

Charlie Myers, regional director for the Philadelphia District of the Army Corps of Engineers, said the project will be funded by “in-house and regional reprogramming of funds. We were able to identify $3.3 million.”

Commissioners will keep residents informed regarding the dredging schedule as it becomes available.