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Committee warns state shell dredge likely inoperable; members urge $10M-plus plan and legislative push
Summary
Staff and committee members said the state's hydraulic shell dredge is likely inoperable this year and possibly next; committee members and experts called for urgent work to secure funding and alternative extraction methods, citing a rough $10–12 million scale discussed for returning dredge capability.
Committee discussion turned to replenishment capacity when staff updated members that the current shell dredge (contractor referenced as HNL Contracting) appears unlikely to be operable this year or next. Andrew summarized the situation and said the economics discussed with the dredge owner suggested "in the 10 or 12,000,000 range in order to come back," and that procurement and logistics make it difficult to guarantee a future dredge contract. "But it looks like that that particular dredge, is likely not gonna be operation at least next year and possibly the year after that as well," Andrew told the panel.
Members described the operability problem as an emergency. Dr. Mann urged the group to prepare a legislative and economic argument: "we need to actually think about how we're gonna get the commission, the industry, and whatever I can do, as either a private citizen or a member of BIMS to get that facility again." Several members recommended a coordinated push to the General Assembly and preparing a clear economic multiplier to show replenishment's return on investment. Staff and members also discussed interim options such as expanded house-shell purchases and mechanical extraction from seaside deposits, but warned costs and logistics are uncertain.
