Congressman Andy Harris announced that the House has passed the FY26 Energy & Water Appropriations Act, which includes $50 million for a new shallow-draft dredging vessel to maintain navigation channels along the East Coast. The funding is intended to address shoaling issues that affect safety and economic activity in Maryland’s waterways.
For several years, projects such as dredging at Ocean City Inlet have faced delays due to the aging condition of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Dredge Currituck. This vessel is one of only two specialized dredges in the Corps’ fleet without an equivalent in private industry. Congressman Harris included language in the bill directing the Corps to use the $50 million to replace Dredge Currituck, allowing for quicker responses to problem areas and helping keep waterways open.
The legislation also allocates more than $375 million for coastal storm protection and beach management, aiming to support shoreline resiliency and protect communities from erosion and severe weather.
Harris stated: “I was proud to lead a bipartisan coalition of 15 members of Congress from coastal states and districts to secure this $50 million investment to build a new dredging vessel for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For too long, critical dredging projects have been slowed due to the age and maintenance demands of Dredge Currituck. My language will ensure the prompt replacement of Dredge Currituck and deliver a long-term solution needed to sustain coastal economies up and down the East Coast. Before leaving office, Senator Ben Cardin urged me to ensure this long-needed project finally became a reality after years of unsuccessful attempts to secure a new dredge vessel. I’m proud to have led the effort that brought this project to completion for Maryland and the entire East Coast.”
Andy Harris has represented Maryland’s 1st district in Congress since 2011 after succeeding Frank Kratovil (https://harris.house.gov/about/full-biography). He previously served in both chambers of Maryland’s state legislature from 1999 until his election to Congress (https://harris.house.gov/about/full-biography). Harris was born in New York City in 1957 and currently lives in Cambridge (https://harris.house.gov/about/full-biography). He earned his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1977.
For media inquiries, contact Anna Adamian at Anna.A@mail.house.gov.
