Dredging and Maintenance
Who maintains the Manchester Waterway?
The Manchester Waterway is maintained and serviced through the Manchester Waterway Maintenance Service Business Unit (MSBU).
Who pays for dredging and maintaining our Waterway?
The cost of maintenance/dredging is covered by Tax Assessments which are currently $50.00 per year for property that is located within the MSBU. A previous MSBU Advisory Board recommended that the county reduce the Tax Assessment from $100.00 per year to the current $50.00
What is the standard depth needed to accommodate the average drafts of sailboats?
The depth of 5' Mean Low Low Water (MLLW) has been determined by the MSBU as the standard depth to accommodate the average drafts of sailboats.
How is it determined what areas of the Waterway receive dredging?
Property owners within the MSBU can contact a member of the MSBU or the MWCA to report problematic areas which may need dredging. Once the feedback has been received, those areas are given special attention during a Bathymetric Survey. This survey is contracted out to an Engineering Team selected through a bid process.
What happens after the survey is completed?
After the survey data is received and analyzed, a scope of work is generated, bids are requested and the work is awarded. Environment permits have to be acquired and the work is then conducted. Invoicing and processing of payment is conducted through the Charlotte County Purchasing Department.
Dredging Updates
