AUGUSTA — Federal money is being allocated for a dredging project in the Scarborough River as early as this fall.

The project qualified for federal funding because of the excessive shoaling that resulted from Hurricane Sandy. Members of Maine’s congressional delegation say $3.5 million has been allocated for the Army Corps of Engineers’ work.

U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King said in a written statement on Tuesday that proper maintenance of Maine’s small ports, harbors and rivers is critically important because they play an important role in local economies.

Scarborough Town Manager Thomas Hall says the grant will ensure safe passage for the commercial fishing fleet and recreational boat traffic.