# USACE Streamlines Tampa Bay Permitting

On October 7, 2026, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District and Port Tampa Bay announced a three-year Section 214 agreement to coordinate review of the port’s permit applications. The arrangement provides dedicated regulatory project-management time, weekly project evaluations, and monthly meetings; it is not a construction award and does not change permitting standards. Contractors may find relevance in Port Tampa Bay’s berth, dredging, channel, and dredged-material projects, including a proposed 10-year maintenance-dredging permit that is being finalized, while still planning for federal environmental review and protections.

- The agreement establishes a more structured review process for Port Tampa Bay applications, but does not waive permit requirements or guarantee approval.
- Port and marine contractors can factor the coordination process into planning for berth, channel, dredging, and dredged-material work; the maintenance-dredging permit remains proposed and is being finalized.
- Companies preparing project scopes should account for federal environmental review and protections, which remain in effect under the agreement.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Transportation, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** October 07, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District (USACE)
- Port Tampa Bay

### Key Quotes
> Having one reliable project manager creates stability for everyone involved.
> — Rachel Somerville, Regulatory Project Manager

### Sources
- [
	USACE, Port Tampa Bay agreement strengthens permitting coordination > Jacksonville District > Jacksonville District News Stories
](https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/4620994/usace-port-tampa-bay-agreement-strengthens-permitting-coordination/) - Usace