Federal Work Plan Includes $7.35 Million for Port of Redwood City Channel Dredging

The Port of Redwood City today shared that $7.35 million will be invested in its dredging and maintenance efforts through the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers fiscal year 2026 work plan. The funds were secured with support from U.S. Senator Alex Padilla to supplement the annual federal dredging of the Port’s channel. 

Dredging is the removal of sediments and debris from the Port’s waterways and the San Francisco Bay Channel. Without it, the channel would slowly fill up, prohibiting large vessels to pass through and forcing them to offload cargo elsewhere – increasing costs and environmental impacts. This funding will help ensure sufficient channel depth for cargo ships navigating the Port and San Francisco Bay. 

“The Port of Redwood City’s waterways serve as an economic engine, playing a critical role in supporting the regional supply chain,” said Kristine A. Zortman, Executive Director of the Port. “Dredging ensures the safe, reliable and efficient movement of cargo to and from the Port.” 

In fiscal year 2025, the Port marked $10.7 million in gross revenue and managed 1.4 million metric tons of cargo. Maintaining waterways is essential to sustaining this activity and supporting continued economic growth. By way of example, for every foot of federal channel depth lost, forces about 5,000 metric tons of cargo onto trucks, increasing consumer costs, roadway impacts and emissions. 

In addition to its maritime commerce role, the Port is a designated FEMA Federal Staging Area, requiring a clear channel to move people and supplies in case of an emergency such as an earthquake or other disaster.  

Dredging activities are anticipated to commence later this summer with completion before November 30, 2026. 

For more information about the Port of Redwood City, visit redwoodcityport.com.