Great Lakes vessel operators urge deeper port channels U.S.-flag carriers operating on the Great Lakes told House lawmakers Friday that the region's ports are in dire need of dredging.

   'Unfortunately, we are not able to take full advantage of our vessels' efficiencies because of inadequate dredging,' testified James H.I. Weakley, president of the Lake

Carriers' Association and an officer with the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, before the House Energy and Water Development Subcommittee.    'Today, three of every four vessels

leave the dock 'light loaded' because ports and connecting channels on the Great Lakes are not maintained to project dimensions,' Weakley said.    The association estimates

could have been used to build 24 homes,' Weakley said.    The Lake Carriers' Association represents 18 companies that operate 63 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes.    Weakley

cited specific examples about the depth constraints on shipping in the Great Lakes.    'Ships bound for Saginaw, Mich., could load an additional 60 inches if adequate water were

available,' he said.    The Saginaw's turning basin hasn't been dredged since 1983, and last summer the port was nearly closed to commercial navigation when two ships ran

aground. 'Only emergency dredging by the Army Corps of Engineers kept dock owners from certain bankruptcy,' Weakley said.    The Great Lakes port of Dunkirk, N.Y., was not so

fortunate. The port was closed to commercial navigation last year due to insufficient water depth.    Weakley urged the House subcommittee to use the funds collected for the Harbor

Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF), which now contains about $3.5 billion, to cover the cost of dredging the Great Lakes ports.    'It's time to restore the 'trust' to the

HMTF by either spending it down or taking it 'off budget,' ' Weakley said. TO CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE... ALREADY HAVE AN ACCOUNT? SIGN IN CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT No

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