Rising river raises concerns about channel

Published 12:32 pm Wednesday, May 4, 2011

The Mississippi sends huge amounts of sediment downriver each spring. The sediment settles into Southwest Pass, which connects the river with the Gulf of Mexico. The Corps is charged with keeping it dredged to ensure cargo ships, tankers and cruise liners can get to grain depots, refineries and New Orleans.

Corps officials say four dredges are currently deployed to maintain the channel’s 45-foot depth. Operations manager Michelle Spraul says that’s enough for now — but more likely will be needed.

Spraul says she expects more dredges to be available although budgets are tight.