Delta is taking the lead on the dredging issue in the hopes that a financial commitment from the municipality will spur other levels of government to loosen the purse strings.

At Monday night's Delta council meeting, civic politicians approved a $2-million contribution toward dealing with the silt build up in the Ladner channels of the Fraser River.

The dredging of the Fraser used to be handled by the federal government, however, the secondary channels have not been cleared in over a decade and the build up is starting to cause problems.

Until 1998, dredging of all channels was a federal responsibility. In 1999 the port authority took over dredging only the main navigational channel. Since then, silt has been building up in the many secondary channels.

Delta staff is currently working with the port to determine who will assume responsibility for the management of the project.

Delta staff will work with the port to finalize a plan and submit an application to the Fraser River Estuary Management Plan.