In terms of size and scope, the $788,700 dredging operation at Tylers Beach in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, are relatively small for a Norfolk District, U.S Army Corps of Engineers project.
But for the people who operate commercial vessels out of this harbor of refuge along the James River, removing the estimated 23,300 cubic yards of material has a huge impact.
The last dredging of the channel was done in 1991. In recent years, the Corps attempted to dredge this project, but disposal site woes and funding issues kept the plan on the shelf. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Congress made funds available to dredge the project.
Dredging, which should wrap up in mid-January, will bring the channel depth back to about 8 feet, ensuring safe passage to and from the harbor at any time.