Dredging Coordination Improvement Act

New rules for port dredging contracts

If enacted, this bill would set new rules for maintenance dredging contracts signed after enactment. The Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, would consult the non-Federal sponsor and other stakeholders when setting scope and timelines. In an emergency or when an important national interest is at stake, the Secretary could set scope and timelines without consulting stakeholders who are not parties to the contract. To the extent practicable, the Secretary would prioritize dredging for commercial and navigation waters first. Next would be emergency needs, work tied to environmental windows (as defined by the Secretary), and other important national interests. Dredging in waters used mainly for recreation would come last. Upon request, a non-Federal sponsor would receive capability numbers for the activity. The Secretary would have to notify the non-Federal sponsor within three business days after getting information likely to affect the contract’s period of performance.