Mack praises Army Corps for getting permit

To The Editor,

I have praise for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for issuing an emergency dredging permit last week for the Matanzas Pass Entrance Channel in Lee County. The dredging is expected to begin by the end of May, and the Army Corps will finance the construction.

The dangerous conditions in Matanzas Pass pose a serious risk to the Coast Guard’s ability to respond to emergencies as well as to local businesses that rely on the inlet.

The channel is completely shoaled and not navigable by the shrimp boats, commercial excursion boats and other recreational boaters that use the pass every day.

I’m very pleased the Army Corps has approved the dredging permit so we can begin dredging Matanzas Pass without delay.

We have been working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local officials to get the emergency dredging permit approved since last fall.

Rep. Connie Mack

Washington, D.C.

Mack represents the 14th Congressional District and serves as a congressman in the House of Representatives representing Southwest Florida.