Boston's Other Big Dig

"After the state and federal governments have spent nearly $100 million, the massive dredging project is nearly done."

"'This might not have been as glamorous as the Big Dig, but it will have a comparable effect on the economy of this region,' said Mike Keegan, the project manager for the US Army Corps of Engineers."

"The clam-shell dredges were needed to remove the inevitable build-up of sediment that has made the harbor's shipping channels increasingly difficult to navigate for the growing number of large ships now visiting city ports. The channel, meant to have a depth of 40 feet, was on average 36 feet and, in some places, as low as 24 feet."

"With global trade expected to double by 2020 and cargo ships built larger to transport more goods, Boston is one of more than 25 ports in the United States that have been either expanding their channels or considering such projects. Both New York and Los Angeles are digging 50-foot channels."