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Transporting products by water has played a major role in history. Navigating ships within waterways is essential to commerce and quality of life. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains navigation waterways throughout the United States much like road crews maintain highways. These waterways include the nation's deep-draft harbors that serve the seaborne commerce and smaller harbors for a variety of recreational and commercial purposes. The Corps has also built an intracoastal and inland network of channels with locks and dams for navigation. These waterways must be kept at the appropriate depth and width so ships and other watercraft can move safely and easily. Waterway improvements may include building breakwaters and jetties to protect homes and businesses from crashing waves. Several methods of dredging can be used to remove the sediments from the waterways. The dredged sediments are frequently used for other beneficial uses such as creating islands and wetlands or improving habitats.

Established: April 23, 2002
Updated: August 2004
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