The project entailed deepening the channel from 35 to 41 feet in the Elizabeth, NJ Port Reach and the North of Shooter's Island Reach, NY areas of the channel. The Arthur Kill navigation project is part of an overall harbor deepening program that is being conducted by the Corps and the Port Authority in the Port of New York and New Jersey.
In keeping with its mission to create a world-class harbor, the Corps and the Port Authority, along with other sponsors, are deepening the channels to ensure that the harbor is able to safely and efficiently accommodate the new mega ships that are entering the Port.
Col. Nello Tortora, the Corps' New York District Commander said, "Deepening the Arthur Kill Channel to 41 feet is critical to realizing the full potential of the New York Container Terminal and marks an important milestone in building a world-class Port and estuary. The deeper channel will serve New York's largest marine terminal, which can now accommodate deeper draft vessels. In addition, this project consisted of the restoration and enhancement of approximately 23 acres of inter-tidal salt marsh, a win-win for both the port, the environment and the economy."
Port Authority Executive Director Anthony E. Shorris said, "Deepening the harbor channels is a critical part of our strategy to grow the Port business and to create jobs and economic activity for the region. Deeper channels and berths, combined with a new on-dock rail system that will open shortly, will give Howland Hook the tools it needs to continue to compete for international business. These projects will significantly increase the Port's cargo capacity - a clear indication of the Port Authority's commitment to Howland Hook now and for years to come."
The Arthur Kill Channel 41-foot navigation project spans the New York/New Jersey Harbor from the confluence of the Kill Van Kull and Newark Bay Channels to the New York Container Terminal in Staten Island and is an important link in the harbor estuary system. The Arthur Kill navigation project was authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 and also includes deepening the channel to 40 feet Mean Low Water (MLW) from the New York Container Terminal to the Conoco Phillips (Tosco) Oil Terminal in New Jersey and GATX facilities in New York, as well as the environmental restoration and enhancement of approximately 23 acres of intertidal salt marsh at two sites in the Arthur Kill watershed. The total cost-shared project cost is approximately $ 190,000,000.
