Remotely Operated Locks: Progress, But Still Under Study
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is evaluating remote operation of locks within the U.S. inland waterways system. Timetables are hazy, but the Corps plans to include remote operations capabilities during rehabilitations or new construction, in the work planned, for example, in the Upper Ohio Navigation Project, part of the USACE’s Pittsburgh District.In fact, the first install project is being readied at Lock & Dam 4 on the Monongahela River. L&D 4 is also known as Charleroi Locks and Dam because it’s at Charleroi, Pa, at river mile 41.5, between Pittsburgh and Fairmont, W.Va.
Bollinger Buys Gulf Island’s Shipyard Facilities
Lockport, La.-based Bollinger Shipyards has acquired Gulf Island Fabrication’s shipyard facilities in nearby Houma for approximately $28.6 million.The purchased site encompasses 437 acres on the west bank of the Houma Navigation Canal, of which 283 acres is unimproved land that is available for expansion. The facility includes 18,000 square feet of administrative and operations facilities, 160,000 square feet of covered fabrication facilities and 20,000 square feet of warehouse facilities. It also has 6,750 linear feet of water frontage, including 2,350 feet of steel bulkheads.
Houma Navigation Canal Dredging to Start
According to a September 25 report from The Daily Comet, dredging will begin soon on a seven-mile stretch of the Houma Navigation Canal where silt has caused problems for area businesses that use the waterway to move large ships and offshore structures. The Corps of Engineers will spend up to $4.5m to dredge the stretch of canal through Terrebonne Parish, with the goal to start in October and finish by the year’s end. (Source: The Daily Comet)
Mississippi River Commission Schedules Meeting For Friday
Dock, at mile 53 on the Houma Navigation Canal. communities along the Mississippi River. August 11 in St. Paul, Minn. directly address their views to members of the Commission. through Old River Lock to reach the Atchafalaya River. Waterway.
Waterways Re-Open
The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin stating that all ports, channels, and tributary waterways in the COTP Houston/Galveston AOR are open to project depth. Particular caution is advised, though, in the Galveston Bay Entrance Channel, the Galveston Harbor Channel, and Barbour’s Cut due to possible shoaling. The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Marine Safety Bulletin stating that all waterways in the MSU Morgan City AOR are open to project depth, with the exception of the Houma Navigation Canal north of the Houma Navigation Bridge. Minimum wake restrictions are in effect from GIWW MM 20 to MM 65 and in the vicinity of MM 160. Continued caution is advised as the waterways and shorelines remain in a delicate condition. (9/29/05).
