Hopper Dredging of Waterways

The Corps is responsible for dredging sediment from waterways to maintain shipping routes important for commerce. One dredge type, a hopper dredge, performs much of the dredging in ports and harbours, and the Corps uses its own fleet of hopper dredges and contracts. In 2003, GAO examined the Corps' hopper dredging program and made recommendations to improve its management. GAO was asked to review changes to the program. This book examines actions the Corps has taken to address GAO's 2003 recommendations for improving the information needed to manage its hopper dredging program and develop cost estimates for industry contracts; effects since 2003, if any, of the statutory restrictions placed on the use of the Corps' hopper dredges; and key challenges, if any, the Corps faces in managing its hopper dredge fleet.