Abstract:
At one time dredging by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the North Carolina's inlets and Intracoastal Waterway was a year-round project to keep the navigable channels open for fishing and related businesses. Now Congress and the current federal administration are intent on getting out of the dredging business. Many legislators feel it is the job of the coastal states to keep their waterways clear. Efforts by North Carolina's U.S. Senators Dole and Burr, and Congressman Walter Jones to add more dredging money to the budget have been unsuccessful. Six of the state Congressional delegation did not support Dole, Burr, and Jones in their attempt to add more dredging money. Leutze outlines an approach to educate representatives within North Carolina and without on the importance of keeping these waterways cleared.