Moulton’s Essex River Dredging Bill Passes House

Salem, MA – This week, the U.S. House passed Congressman Seth Moulton’s (D-MA) bill to allow dredging in the Essex River as part of the Water Resource Development Act of 2016 (WRDA). The Senate version of the bill passed last week, and the legislation aimed at improving public safety and spurring economic development is now one step closer to reaching the President’s desk.

“Dredging the Essex River is critical for public safety. Coast Guard vessels currently can’t reach boats in distress in many parts of the river. By making the channel more navigable, we’ll ensure a safer environment for all who enjoy it. It will also help local job growth and economic development, while being conscious of the need to preserve and protect this unique and valuable resource,” said Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA). “I’m proud that the House passed my bill as part of the Water Resources Development Act to provide the federal criteria we need for dredging to take place, and I’m grateful to our local leaders who helped move this forward.”

The annual WRDA bill authorizes all water resources development projects carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Moulton advocated for the Essex River dredging project to be included in WRDA to ensure that dredging the Essex River has the federal criteria it needs in order to occur.

“Important dredging projects like the one in the Essex River can’t move forward without federal partnership, and that requires federal officials who are committed to making them happen,” said State Senator Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “Congressman Moulton has made that commitment, and the passage of this legislation is a very positive development.”

“I would like to thank Congressman Seth Moulton, Senator Bruce Tarr, and everyone who has worked vigilantly to bring the successful passage of the Essex River Jobs and Recreation bill to fruition,” said Essex Police Chief, Peter G. Silva. “This is an important step in revitalizing the vision and process for the dredging needs of the Essex River which is desperately needed. Without their support and their partnerships with our community, this may have been an unattainable task. I am encouraged that with the progress that we have made, the goal of dredging has taken a large step toward becoming a reality in the near future.”

Moulton’s Essex River Jobs and Recreation Act would allow for re-designated boundaries around the federal channel in order to eliminate encroachment issues from piers and docks, freeing the town to dredge the upper part of the river as it approaches the downtown Causeway and allowing for the safe passage of watercraft.

"The Town has been very well served by our Federal legislative delegation and the Army Corps of Engineers from initial planning through the actual changes made to the Essex River Federal Channel,” said Brendhan Zubricki, Town Administrator. “The passage of the bill eliminates encroachments to the channel and will now allow the Town to compete for Federal dredging funding for which it was not eligible prior to the modifications.”

For more information about Congressman Seth Moulton visit our website or connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Medium.

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