With the budget getting ready to be signed by the governor, Virginia’s ports will become even more lucrative after infrastructure upgrades totaling $350 million will aid the major dredging project in the shipping channels in the Hampton Roads region. When the project is completed, with the channels being deepened from 50 to 55 feet and widened to 1,400 feet, it will surpass that of Los Angeles, the busiest port in the nation.
Spearheaded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the channels will be enlarged to be able to accommodate the international ultra-large container vessels, which Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia are already building for.
As of now, the area’s coast Guard temporarily closes Norfolk shipping channels when one of these sea-faring behemoths passes through, sometimes for hours, because the channels are too shallow and narrow to allow for two-way shipping traffic.
Within the two-year budget, $20 million is included for designing the channels, and the rest is left for state bonds that the Port of Virginia would use to further along the project. The dredging would take place all around the Newport News area, including the terminals in Norfolk.
“The port has always been an economic engine for the commonwealth, not just Hampton Roads,” said Delegate Chris Jones (R-Suffolk), according to a report from The Virginian-Pilot.
Nevertheless, there are still a few obstacles to clear for construction. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must conclude its final report with deadlines and funding requirements. Then, it will be included in a full report to Congress for lawmakers to review, ending with an authorization of funds.
State legislators want to see the progression of the project as shipping ports around the world become more competitive. For example, the 2016 expansion of the Panama Canal was highly successful, welcoming the same ultra-large container ships Virginia is vying for.
After the project is complete, the Port of Virginia’s capacity would increase by 40 percent, which is around one million more containers than currently stands.
