Nero/Pamlico...
I just did the ICW in April with a couple of offshore legs and indeed the ICW has gotten much worse in the past few years. The good news is that lately, some of the worst areas have gotten or are in the process of getting dredged...particularly in NC. You can get around the depth challenged places in SC & GA by waiting for tide or going outside on short day or overnight hops. I would NOT buy a 4.5' draft boat unless the inside of the keys were a priority for me.
Nero...you are right about the funding situation but it seems like the critical portions with no way through are being maintained on an emergency basis since there IS commercial traffic.
To anyone transiting the ICW... I recommend the following resources to aid in up to the minute planning:
1. BoatUS.com bulletin board
EAST COST ALERTS which provides a bi weekly update of navigation issues.
2. Skipper Bob's Guide to Anchorages on the ICW AND his
WEBSITE for interim updates...included are navigation issues and bridge opening changes.
3. Steve Dodge's
Guide to SE US Inlets...invaluable for getting around tough spots and navigating unfamiliar inlets with charts, waypoints and photos.
Pamlico...are you in the Pamlico? I'm presently in Manteo!