Tangier Channels Federal Navigation Project

Published Feb. 16, 2018

The community of a little more than 700 people located in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay is experiencing erosion, sea-level rise and subsidence. Multiple projects, including an active dredging program and soon to be built jetty, are ongoing or being studied by The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to find ways to combat the effects of these elements. (U.S. Army photo/Patrick Bloodgood)
SLIDESHOW | 3 images | Tangier Aerial

Project Scope

The project is comprised of three main sections: a 4,700-foot-long, 60-foot-wide east channel, a 400-foot by 400-foot turning basin and a 60-foot-wide west channel split into a 1,000-foot-long and a 600-foot-long section. The depth of the project is maintained between 7 to 9 feet depending on location within the channels.

Authorization

The Tangier Channels Federal Navigation Project was authorized by the River and Harbor Act of 2 March 1919 and modified by the P.W.A. Acts of 3 January 1934 and 30 August 1935 and the River and Harbor Act of 2 March 1946.

The project was also modified in 1964 under Section 107 of the River and Harbor Act of 14 July 1960 to provide for a channel from the basin through Tangier Creek westward to the Chesapeake Bay.

Background

The Tangier Channels Federal Navigation Project provides for a safe navigation channel for commercial waterman, tour boats, supply vessels and pleasure craft through the island of Tangier, Va. in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay.

The channel creates an estimated $130,000 in benefits each year. Since construction in 1967, it has provided over $3 million in transportation savings, increased crab production, and provided access to a harbor of refuge.

It also serves a geographically unique and historic section of Virginia.


Project News

USACE awards contract to Virginia company to construct jetty at Tangier
5/27/2020 UPDATED
The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, awarded a contract for more than $2.9 million to Gloucester-based Coastal Design & Construction Inc. to construct an approximately 685-foot-long...
Corps awards $900,000 dredging contract to Miss. company
12/19/2013
The Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $991,500 contract to a Cleveland, Miss.- based company to dredge the Tangier Island, Va. federal navigation channel...

Project Contact

(757) 201-7606
Project Contact

Map

Project Location map

Project Partners

Town of Tangier, Va.