As dredging activity accelerates across the United States, the industry stands at a critical crossroads—buoyed by demand, yet burdened by constraints. Aging fleets are operating at full capacity, and key infrastructure continues to deteriorate, even as federal funding faces significant cuts in the FY25 budget. At the same time, political uncertainty adds another layer of complexity to long-term planning and investment.

Still, there are reasons for optimism. Several states have secured targeted funding to support large-scale dredging initiatives, and some of the most ambitious projects in decades are now moving forward. In response to fiscal pressures, innovative public-private partnership (P3) models are gaining traction—unlocking new sources of capital, driving operational efficiency, and offering a path toward faster, more sustainable project delivery.

This session will explore:

• The current state of the U.S. dredging sector and its most pressing challenges
• The impact of shifting federal and state funding dynamics
• Emerging P3 models and what they mean for the future of project financing
• Strategies for balancing environmental priorities with operational demands
• How the industry is building resilience amid economic and political headwinds

Whether you’re a project sponsor, policymaker, or contractor, this session offers critical insights into the evolving dredging landscape—and the strategies shaping its future.