Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, January 23, 2001

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 205 1 5 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Henry Fawell JANUARY 23, 2001 202/225-3061 Congressman Ehrlich Applauds C&D Canal Dredging Decision WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., (R-MD) today praised the Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to defer plans to dredge the C&D Canal, pending further study into the waterway’s shipping business. The Maryland Port Administration (MPA) last week asked the Army Corps to postpone a decision for three years to allow for further studies into the canal’s shipping routes and activities. Recent shipping trends in the canal and Baltimore Harbor could affect the current plans, which would deepen the canal from 35 to 40 feet. During this period the MPA will submit to the Army Corps additional information showing an increase in shipping business through the canal. In the last half of 2000, for instance, the MPA reported an 1 1% increase in container cargo volume in the Port of Baltimore. Congressman Ehrlich stated, “I support the Army Corps’ decision and the additional studies into new shipping trends at the port. It is critical that these trends be evaluated before dredging plans are implemented. “The C&D Canal and Baltimore Harbor can potentially host a stronger, more diverse shipping business than is already present. I welcome additional studies and data that will contribute to the dredging plan.” ###