How Dredging Keeps The Mississippi River Open

The US Army Corp of Engineers, Memphis Division allowed me to climb aboard the biggest dustpan dredge in north America. Dredge Hurley has been working the waters of the Mississippi River, trying to keep the channel open for barge traffic. Every year nearly 680 million tons of goods make their way up and down the river. This has a huge economical impact on our national economy and the local economy of Memphis and many other cities on the river. I got an up close look at just how this operation helps keep our rivers open!
A special thanks to the US Army Corp of Engineers! They were incredible not only to allow us on board but to show us around the dredge and speak with us about everything that they do day in and day out to keep up with low water events like we are seeing. I got to meet and speak with Col. Brian Sawser, the chief of the Memphis District, he gave some amazing insight as to just how important and difficult the work that they do is. I also spoke with Matt Young, Chief Navigator and Adrian Parani, Captain of Dredge Hurley. They both provided some incredible information about the jobs that are done each day and how complex the operation really is.
Even though many do not think twice when they see the river, and may only care about it if it is at flood stage. These men and women work every day to mitigate any impacts up and down the river. So that you at how don't have to worry about incredibly high prices or a hit to local economies.
Incredible work! Thank you all so very much!