Page 42: of Marine News Magazine (September 2011)

42MNSeptember 2011being trained by Climax employees to use the machine, the new methods are forecasted to produce significant economy of scale for other pressing projects. ALREADY UNDERWAY According to the Army Corps of Engineers, the Markland Lock Rehabilitation project was initiated in 2007. The project includes new miter gates, new culvert valves, a gate storage pier and a miter gate assembly. Installing the new gates will be time consuming, accord- ing to Dowell. The task includes use of a custom-built portable milling machine by Climax Portable Machine Tools. The portable milling machine is what will mill the quoins on the lock doors or gates.The machining portion of the project has already begun, with Army Corps of Engineers and the Climax team that developed the machine both in attendance. Obviously, with funds for infrastructure repairs becoming scarce, the money that is available needs to be used wisely. This proj- ect has the potential to demonstrate that innovative and cost-effective methods for making repairs are available. Those responsible for funding infrastructure need to know that their money is being put to good use. As such, this may be one of the most critical infrastructure projects in the country ? certainly on the U.S. domestic waterfront ? that is underway anywhere today. DOWNTHE RIVERIn the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers? Louisville District alone, as many as five projects await action. With some delays already experienced at the Markland site ? none of them related to the use of the new Climax technology and tools ? the current project, according to U.S. Army Corps. Personnel, is scheduled to complete in mid-November. At that point, and now in possession of a tool that promises to bring a new economy of scale to future waterway infra- structure projects, the speed at which these projects can be completed could be about to increase, while the costs go dramatically down. Only time will tell. It would not be an understatement to say that what hap- pens at the Markland Locks and Dams refurbishment this fall will go a long way to defining what is possible in otherplaces, going forward. WCI?s Michael Toohey said recent- ly, ?Hopefully it will be nothing but good news from the world?s premier engineering organization. Maintenance of critical infrastructure has not been given the funding pri- ority needed. With facilities long past their original design life, it is a miracle and a tribute to the dedication ofemployees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that what we take for granted actually continues to function.? A successful, cost effective and timely completion of the Markland project will certainly be a testament to the skills of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It will also happen largely thanks to new equipment and technology made possible by Climax Portable Machine Tools. The project is being watched closely by industry, lawmakers and river users alike. That includes some 37,000 inland tugs and associated barge equipment. Now, what happens next will make all the difference. There?s no room for error. On the WEB: Climax Portable Machine tools, Inc. ? www.cpmy.com U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ? www.usace.army.mil Waterways Council, Inc. ? www.waterwayscouncil.org Climax Machine being assembled and tested.(Photo courtesy of Climax Portable Machine Tools)MN#9 (32-49):MN 2011 Layouts 9/6/2011 12:26 PM Page 42