Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed Congressman Seth Moulton’s (D-MA) amendment to the annual Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, calling on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to finish the Essex River Federal Navigation Project (FNP).
The Corps began dredging the Essex River earlier this year, but the engineering firm hired for the project was unable to finish the work.
Moulton’s amendment, which was passed with bipartisan support, emphasizes the need for the Corps to prioritize the completion of the project and fulfill its commitment to the community.
Decades of sediment buildup have significantly narrowed the river channel, creating dangerous conditions for marine traffic, small boats, and emergency responders.
These ongoing hazards not only threaten public safety but also limit access for local businesses, particularly those reliant on the river for commercial and recreational activity, Moulton said.