According to the Tampa city officials, the planned dredging project of 10 canals in the West Shore area is ready to kick off, but at the moment it is pending award of the necessary permit, Tampa Bay Online reports.
Namely, the city has submitted an application for a dredging permit to the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission.
As assured by Ben Koplin, a stormwater environmental coordinator for the city, the decision on the award is expected very soon, thus enabling the dredging contract to be signed with Duncan Seawall to execute the dredging operations.
The estimated value of the contract will not exceed $2.1 million.
“ We are right on the precipice of executing this project ,” Irv Lee, Tampa’s public works director said.
Urban development followed by excess of stormwater have brought about the need for clearing the canals, which will enable improvement of their water quality by increasing tidal flow.
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Dredging Today Staff, July 25, 2012; Image: gimrock