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Bennett Creek was last dredged on: Dec 6 2006 (Full Scale Completed) Our last water depth survey was performed: Feb 2008 (See survey link) Funding for the next dredge scheduled for: 2011-2012 Next Dredging Operation (needed by): 2011 and 2015 (Based on History) Next Dredging Operation (scheduled): 2011 and 2015 (Per Suffolk's Capital Improvement Plan)
CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD
May 3, 2009	On April11, 2009, an e-mail from a credible source reports "potential" shallow waters in the Bennett Creek Entrance channel, prompting Neil Wilson to investigate its current status. Summarizing, the report indicated the "channel in is now no more than 5' at a normal low tide." The Army Corps of Engineers informs FOBC the last published survey of the Bennett Creek Dredge project was performed in February 2008 and reported a controlling depth of 3.1 feet below Mean Lower Low Water located 158 yards downstream from Red Daybeacon No. 4. The controlling depth represents the lowest single sounding within the project and is not necessarily representative of the entire channel. The survey and information above is available on the Norfolk District website at www.nao.usace.army.mil under Navigation and then Electronic Survey Distribution System. (See FOBC/Survey Link.) The City of Suffolk is the local sponsor for this Federal project. At this time, the Corps have not been contacted nor had any discussions with them regarding a request for an expedited maintenance event for the project. The Corps will attempt to contact them and will ask that they keep you advised of any new information. Though the Norfolk District has not yet received funding from the anticipated Omnibus appropriations bill, we do not anticipate any for this project. We will soon begin preparations for the Fiscal Year 2011 budget and it is planned to express capability for work on this project in that budget. The FOBC notes the City of Suffolk's 2009-2010 Operating Budget and 2010-2019 Capital Improvement Plan details $120,000 in funding as "REQUESTED" but "NOT RECOMMENDED" in 2009-2010. The next time funds come available are in 2011-2012, then again in 2013-2014, etc. A meeting of FOBC members should be convened soon to discuss.
May 5, 2008	The FOBC issues a message regarding the need to maintain strong ties with commercial business interests to sustain Federal support for dredging! (See Article)
Dec 20, 2006	The FOBC recognizes the following individuals for their professionalism and dedication to the successful completion of the 2006 Dredge Project. The FOBC recognizes Charles Meek (City of Suffolk) with a letter of recognition and a plaque, Gregory Williams (Army Corps of Engineers - Norfolk District) with a letter of recognition and a plaque, and Steve Powell (Army Corps of Engineers - Norfolk District) with a letter of recognition and a plaque.
Dec 6, 2006	Full Scale dredge of Bennett Creek Entrance Channel COMPLETED! The completion of the dredge re-establishes the the 3/4 mile entrance channel to a minimum width of 60' by approximately 6'-8' deep. This marks the completion of the first full scale dredge since May 1992. Many thanks to the Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Suffolk for a job well done! "You are now free to move about the country." The daily commute to and from the Harborside Marina to the entrance channel. During the project, dredge operators endured sustained/severely low tides and the infamous 2006 Thanksgiving Northeaster which ravaged Bennett Creek as well as the entire mid-Atlantic coast. A beautiful site. Sunset with dredging operations winding down after a long hard days work..
Oct 16, 2006	Full Scale dredging of Bennett Creek Entrance Channel begins. The FOBC is "extremely pleased" to see the City of Suffolk has approved $260K in their current FY budget for the 06/07 dredge, and has planned for another $400k into their Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for dredging in 2011 and again in 2015. This timing (five years away) appears to be "right on the money" as far as the life expectancy of the Bennett Creek entrance channel before it will need to be dredged again. This is based on 20 + years of historical data. It appears that the development of a "long-term, permanent solution" is beginning to take shape. (i.e., A 5 year tickler into the CIP to appropriate funds for the next required/anticipated dredge). This should resolve the issue of having to wait until the channel is not navigatable at low tide, before the process is kick-started to accomplish a maintenance dredge. (The process we know can take about 1-2 years.) The FOBC would like to acknowledge outgoing project engineer Steve Powell and new project engineer Gregg G. Williams, P.E., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District. A special acknowledgement also goes to Charles Meeks, Senior Analyst, City of Suffolk for his hard work and dedication.
May, 2006	The City and Corps of Engineers have been planning for a summer/fall dredge in 2006. The City is in receipt of a letter from the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the City's matching funds. The City is in the process of releasing the funds to enable the Corps to move forward with the final dredge preparations. The money is appropriated in the CIP and will be available July 1. The Army Corps of Engineers have also made water depth surveys available for viewing via the internet. Please go to our Surveys link to review latest survey data.
Nov, 2005	PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: November 4, 2005 Contact: Christy Boardman/Tinisha Weigelt (202) 225-6365 Forbes secures $317,000 for Bennetts Creek Dredging Project Washington, D.C. – Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced $317,000 in federal funding for the dredging of Bennetts Creek as part of the Fiscal Year 2006 Energy & Water Appropriations Conference Report, which passed the House of Representatives today. Forbes requested funding for the Bennett’s Creek Dredging Project on behalf of the City of Suffolk from the House Appropriations Committee. Bennetts Creek provides commercial and recreational users with access to and from the Nansemond and James rivers, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. “Dredging of Bennett’s Creek is essential to the retention and expansion of the City of Suffolk’s maritime businesses. I’m pleased to have secured these funds and I am excited to see the impact of this project on recreational activities and tourism in Suffolk,” Forbes said. Dredging is necessary to remove hazardous shoals within the entrance channel of Bennett’s Creek, a navigable waterway from Suffolk to the Nansemond River. The appropriation of $317,000 will be used to prepare plans and specifications, perform hydrographic surveys, perform contract administration and related activities.
June, 2005	Observations have indicated the Bennett Creek entrance channel have began to deteriorate to the point that interim dredges are no longer effective. The need for a full scale dredge is desperately needed. It is noted that the last full scale (bucket) dredge occurred in May 1992 (13 years ago.)
July, 2004	Bennett Creek is dredged by the Dredging Vessel Currituck. (Interim Dredge performed.) Background: In February 2004, FOBC informs the Army Corps of Engineers that the channel entrance is approximately less than 3 feet in depth at MLW, the Corps initiates a water survey to confirm. Corps notifies that the creek needs to be dredged. In May, 2004, the City informs the FOBC that there is insufficient funds to perform an interim dredge. The FOBC makes formal requests to the City via letters and phone conversations to discuss issue. In June, 2004, the City approves funding for an interim (emergency) dredge.
April 27, 2004	Board of Officers Elected. FOBC BY-LAWS adopted! 2004 Slate of Officers: President - Tom Mountjoy Past President - John Evans Vice President - Sonny Hines Secretary - Susannah Beard Treasurer - Sheila Neal Director at Large - Neil Wilson (Dredging Coordinator/Web Site Mgr) Director at Large - Nat Compton Copy of By-Laws
October 22, 2003	The FOBC initiate milestone efforts to formally organize, write by-laws and elect a board of officers. Next meeting scheduled in February 2004. Interim officers are as follows: President - John Evans Vice President - Jennifer Trump Secretary - Susannah Beard Treasurer - Sheila Neal Dredging Coordinator - Neil Wilson Web Site Manager - Neil Wilson Membership Liaison - Sheila Neal Congressional/Funding Support Coordinator - Nat Compton
July 2 - July 8, 2003	Bennett Creek is dredged by the Dredging Vessel Currituck. (Interim Dredge performed.)
June 19, 2003	The cost of dredging is split 60-40 between the Federal Government (Army Corps of Engineers) and the City. The Corps currently does not include the Bennett Creek Dredge Project as a line item in their annual budget. Dredge Funds from the Corps is only made available with excess funds and can not be guaranteed when the need for dredging arises. The City does provide regular funding for their portion of the dredge in their Capital Improvement Plan. The Suffolk City Managers Office (Jeff Ryan, Sr. Administrative Analysts) agreed to initiate contact with Senator Randy Forbes and/or other congressional leaders, with the anticipation that we might be able to acquire regular and specific Federal funding for the the Army Corps of Engineers' Bennett Creek Dredge Project. This is the final pieces of the puzzle that would make this entire dredging process more automatic. Right now, we have no dedicated funding from the Corps.
June 19, 2003	FOBC Forwards a request to the City of Suffolk requesting additional Navigational Markers be located along the 3/4 mile long stretch of the Bennett Creek entrance channel. <Link to Letter>
March 26, 2003	FOBC members purchase signs which will be placed along Bennett Creek Entrance Channel and local marinas. Signs convey information regarding dredging, the FOBC organization & web site information. <Link to Sign>
March 19, 2003	City of Suffolk approves funding for Summer 2003 dredging operation. Special thanks to Suffolk's Jeff Ryan and City Council.
Aug 19, 2002	FOBC informs the Army Corps of Engineers that the depth of water in the channel during periods of low tide is less than 4 feet and recommends dredging be accomplished ASAP. This process requires water survey's to be conducted and evaluated by the Corps. Once the condition is verified, the Corps will officially notify the City of Suffolk of the need to dredge. Funding from both organizations must be secured and approved and the process for soliciting and contracting a dredging company must be accomplished.
Feb 6, 2002	Members raise funds to support FOBC initiatives. Thanks to Sonny Hines-Farley Offshore Yachts, Bennett Creek Landing Boat Slip Owners' Association, John & Bonnie Sims, John & Chrys Evans, Dena Hall and Steve Lapinel, Neil & Carol Wilson and Gary & Sheila Neal.
Jan 28, 2002	FOBC web site is launched.
Oct 2001	Markers (PVC poles) are installed to assist locating the dredged channel area. Plans made to install additional poles and to mark them all with green or red reflective tape.
Nov 29, 2001	FOBC, under leadership of Sheila Neal, files ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION as a non-profit organization and receives its CERTIFICATE from the State Corporation Commission.
May 1, 2001	FOBC sends Letter of Appreciation to all who have served to maintain Bennett Creek since 1983.