$1 billion proposed Port Tampa Bay dredging project sparks environmental concerns

Tampa, Fla. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) held the second of two public presentations Thursday morning on its recently released Tampa Harbor Navigation Study. Opposing attitudes regarding the project underscore the longstanding tension between the region's economic and environmental interests. 

The plan is to open up the port to deeper water vessels, allowing larger cruise ships and other transport vessels into the area. The U.S. Army Corps of engineers has spent the past two years evaluating what it would take to complete the project. It released its nearly 200-page report in late July. 

The Port of Tampa Bay has long served as a gateway for many of the goods and materials which the region depends on. It is widely viewed as the lifeline of the region's local economy. The waterways are also home to a vast array of aquatic wildlife that environmentalists say could be harmed by the proposed project.

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As more people continue moving into the area, port officials are constantly looking at ways to meet growing demand. They say this project, which would take the main channel from 43 to 47 feet deep, is necessary for safer, more efficient channels. 

Port Tampa dredging project. 

But environmental groups like the nonprofit Tampa Bay Waterkeeper are opposed to the plan, saying it would be detrimental to Tampa Bay. This is largely because the dredging process stirs up silt and minerals in the bay's bed, potentially causing issues on the surface that impact shorelines and sea life.

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Seagrass loss is one of the major concerns. The bay has lost roughly 12 percent of it in the last two years, directly affecting the animals that need seagrass to survive, like manatees and sea turtles.If approved-- the project would become the first major deepening and widening project in Tampa since 1985. Recreational boating and fishing would see an impact during the deepening project. 

The project would come at a price tag of more than a billion dollars. 

In a statement to FOX 13, the Port shared:

"Port Tampa Bay is West Central Florida's largest economic driver, and is Florida's largest port, supporting nearly 85,000 jobs and generating more than $17 billion in annual economic impact. Our port supplies fuel, goods and groceries to the region, and plays an important role as a job creator. Deepening our current shipping channels is critical to our ability to bring in goods in the future, as ships continue to increase in size. The proposed method of channel deepening consists of  a unique concept to deepen a smaller channel within the existing channel which this has eliminated any hard bottom impacts, as well as minimizing any environmental impacts. Additionally, the proposed uses of the dredge materials can have lasting environmental benefits to the region. Additionally Port Tampa Bay prides itself on our award-winning and nationally recognized environmental stewardship."