News Release
| Release Number: | 98-044 |
| Dated: | 6/10/1998 |
| Contact: | Heidi Y. Helwig, 503-808-4510 |
Portland, Ore. -- In record-breaking numbers, nearly 10,000 people toured the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredge during the Rose Festival. Between June 4-7, the hopper dredge Essayons and its crew hosted 9, 583 tourists. The Navy boasted 21,394 visitors for its eight visiting ships.
"We set a new record last week," said Capt. Ron Henry of the Dredge Essayons. "This is the most visitors we've ever had during the Rose Festival or during any other open house."
All 9,583 tourists had the opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a dredge, including tours of the engine room and the pilot's bridge. Described by a well-known a.m. radio announcer as a "floating Hoover," the dredge operates somewhat like a vacuum cleaner- huge mechanical arms drag along the river channel, sucking up shoals of sand, deepening the channel to its authorized depth.
"We play a very important role right here in the Pacific Northwest. We were pleased to be able to share our work with the thousands of people we serve every day by providing for safe navigation," said Dave Beach, chief of the Corps' Channels and Harbors Project. "Without the Rose Festival, we most likely would not have the opportunity to meet so many of our regional customers." --30--
Editors Note: Those who missed the opportunity to visit the dredge may arrange for special tours by calling Heidi Helwig in the Public Affairs Office at (503) 808-4510.