Maintenance dredging operations on the Baker Bay/Ilwaco Entrance Channel are now underway and will continue through the rest of the month if the good weather holds.
According to a work plan released by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers earlier this year, the ports of Ilwaco and Chinook will receive about $2.4 million for dredging at Baker Bay and between Chinook and Sand Island.
Baker Bay and Chinook Channels together provide critical access to the Pacific Ocean for commercial and private vessels and the Coast Guard in Pacific County. According to a recent report from the Pacific County Economic Development Council, marine jobs make up 20 percent of the county’s jobs.
Dredging-dependent employers are responsible for 1,106 direct jobs and support an additional 360 in the area. The Port of Ilwaco supports an 850-slip marina, seafood processing and 25 marina-dependent commercial tenants.
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