PortMiami and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have signed the construction agreement that will allow the Deep Dredge project to go out for bid. The Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) was executed on August 21, 2012.
“The project agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the final step prior to advertising for the construction contract, ” said Bill Johnson, Director, PortMiami . “ The agreement solidifies our partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the agency that will manage the project.”
Johnson said the Port is pleased with the project’s progress. “We are on schedule to complete the Deep Dredge at the same time the expanded Panama Canal opens. ”
The Deep Dredge will deepen the Port’s existing channels to minus 50/52 feet to prepare for the Panama Canal expansion, now scheduled for completion in early 2015. PortMiami’s deeper channel will provide ships with an economically efficient, reliable and safe navigational route into the Port.
Johnson noted that PortMiami will be the only U.S. Port south of Norfolk, Virginia to be at the minus 50 foot depth in sync with the opening of the expanded Canal.
Deep Dredge is expected to create more than 30,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs in Florida and allow the Port to meet its goal to double its cargo traffic over the next decade.
About PortMiami
PortMiami is among America’s busiest ports and recognized across the globe with the dual distinction of being the Cruise Capital of the World and the Cargo Gateway of the Americas. PortMiami contributes more than $18 billion annually to the South Florida economy and helps provide direct and indirect employment for more than 180,000.
[mappress]
Press Release, August 24, 2012