A .PDF of the boards from the Public Meeting held in Bristol, FL on March 31^st have been added to the Document Library.

• ACF Pursuit of Dredging Resumption

Project Overview:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Mobile District, is initiating an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential resumption of dredging operations in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin. This initial effort aims to obtain the necessary Water Quality Certification (WQC), a prerequisite for restoring and maintaining the authorized navigation channel.

Historically, the ACF River System has been vital for commercial navigation, supporting regional economies across Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. However, in 2005 dredging was suspended when USACE was denied WQC.  Since 2017, the USACE implemented a navigation season from January through May, releasing increased flows to temporarily achieve a 7-foot navigation depth at the City of Blountstown, Florida.

In addition to the funds received to pursue the WQC, the ACF Waterway has received approximately $100M in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds to restore the locks and dams on the system.

The forthcoming EIS will comprehensively assess the environmental impacts of resuming dredging activities, considering factors such as water quality, aquatic habitats, and sediment management. As a part of this evaluation, USACE Mobile District will also produce a Dredged Material Management Plan to document potential placement sites for the dredged materials. Public involvement will be integral throughout the process, ensuring transparency and stakeholder engagement. The ultimate goal is to restore reliable navigation on the ACF River System, balancing economic, environmental, and community interests.

• Project Status:
  • The Project Delivery Team (PDT) is currently evaluating existing conditions, establishing the Federal Standard, and determining alternatives for dredging and placement.  The PDT will begin environmental coordination following selection of a proposed action.
• Past Meetings:
  • Mobile District met with the FL Dept. of Environmental Protection on May 28, 2025
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District held a virtual public meeting on August 12, 2025 at 6:00 pm EDT to solicit feedback and concerns regarding the ACF Dredging project.  Participation ranged from individual community members, Congressional representation, non-governmental organizations, and news affiliations totaling 128 participants.  A recording of the meeting and the presentation slides is available under the Document Library.
  • Mobile District hosted a public meeting on October 21, 2025 at the Coombs Inn in Apalachicola Bay, FL. 
  • Mobile District held a public meeting on March 31^s, 2026 at the Veterans Memorial Center in Bristol, FL. Participation ranged from individual community members, Congressional representation, non-governmental organizations, state environmental agencies and news affiliations totaling approximately 33 participants.  A recording of the meeting and the presentation slides is available under the Document Library.

  • 12 AUG 2025 Public Meeting

• ACF Background Information

• This effort will produce an Environmental Impact Statement which is scheduled to be available for public comment Spring 2027. Public and agency coordination will occur throughout the effort through routine and reoccurring meetings, email correspondence, and real time updates through this website.