The U.S. Dredging Industry Stands Ready to Help Protect the Louisiana Barrier Islands

WASHINGTON, May 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Dredging Contractors of America (DCA) announced today that they have been coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as well as representatives from the state of Louisiana regarding dredge capabilities and possible scenarios to protect the ecologically sensitive barrier islands off the coast of Louisiana and Mississippi from intrusion of oil as it moves toward the beaches.

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Barry Holliday, executive director of the Dredging Contractors of America stated, “We know that it is a matter of time before the oil will start to converge on the shores of the barrier islands along Louisiana and Mississippi, and DCA dredging companies have been closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Corps of Engineers to ensure that we are ready to help minimize the impact of the oil.  There is quite a fleet of dredges and equipment in the gulf or close by that can be mobilized quickly to help,” Mr. Holliday said.  “This equipment and these dredges are well suited to operate close to the islands and accomplish whatever tasks are needed rapidly and with consideration of the sensitive environments that they would be operating within.  If it requires innovation and flexibility, that is what our members do best!”

The Dredging Contractors of America (DCA) is the national non-profit trade association for the dredging and marine construction industry. DCA represents the industry on key issues before Congress and is an active partner to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, public port authorities, state and local governments, as well as various construction and maritime organizations. The mission of DCA member companies is to improve the quality and responsiveness of dredging service delivery to the Nation, ensuring that America's ports, waterways, wetlands and beaches are efficiently constructed and maintained in an environmentally sustainable manner using innovative methods and American ingenuity.

CONTACT: Barry Holliday of the Dredging Contractors of America, Inc., +1-202-737-2674

SOURCE Dredging Contractors of America, Inc.