Congressman Harris Delivers $40 Million for New Dredging Vessel to Strengthen Maryland Navigation Channels

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), announced $40 million in FY26 Energy and Water Development funding for a new shallow-draft dredging vessel for East Coast navigation channels. The funding addresses sediment buildup that has limited vessel access in Maryland and other heavily used East Coast waterways.

The FY26 appropriations bill includes language authored by Congressman Harris requiring the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to use the $40 million provided to replace Dredge Currituck. Dredge Currituck is one of only two shallow-draft dredges in the Corps’ fleet and has no private-sector equivalent. Replacing Dredge Currituck will restore dredging capacity needed to maintain navigation channels and reduce hazards caused by sediment buildup along the East Coast, including in Maryland.

The legislation also allocates more than $375 million for coastal storm protection and beach management projects nationwide, supporting shoreline maintenance and protecting coastal communities from erosion and storm impacts.

Statement from Congressman Harris:

“I’m proud to have led a bipartisan effort among 15 Members of Congress from coastal states to secure $40 million and put the necessary language in the bill to address a critical gap in the Army Corps’ dredging capacity. The aging Dredge Currituck has required frequent maintenance, limiting the Corps’ ability to maintain navigation channels. As Senator Ben Cardin prepared to leave office, he urged me to see this long-delayed project through to completion. It was my honor to deliver the funding to replace Dredge Currituck with a new dredging vessel serving Maryland and the East Coast. I look forward to working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to support the timely delivery and placement into service of the new vessel.”

For media inquiries, please contact Michella Carter at Michella.Carter@mail.house.gov