VICKSBURG, Miss. – On Nov. 16, the USACE Vicksburg Dredge Dubuque departed for a critical dredging mission along the Red River about 11 miles north of Marksville, La., in response to low water conditions. Mississippi River Valley drought conditions caused a low water event on the Lower Mississippi River and tributaries. The areas reported were near Lindy C. Boggs Lock and Dam 1 at Mile Marker 43.8. The Dubuque (known as 'Ugly Betty' by the crew') was deployed to maintain the 9-foot navigation channel by dredging areas of increased sediment due to shoaling. Dubuque operator Charlie Hansford said, “The towing industry is almost completely halted, so we’re here cutting high spots" so loaded barges can pass through. Impacts to navigation consists of restrictions to load sizes and vessel drafts, temporary delays to channel closures during dredging operations or groundings, and some port access losses. The Dubuque is a cutterhead type dredge. The Dubuque deployment follows the recent opening of Boggs on Nov. 23. The lock was previously closed to navigation while both up/down stream gates were dewatered for routine maintenance and inspections. (USACE Vicksburg 11/23/22)
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