Posted on January 30, 2018
By Renée Shreve, The Garrett County
Gov. Larry Hogan’s fiscal year 2019 budget includes $1.115 million to underwrite a pilot dredging project at Deep Creek Lake’s Arrowhead Cove, Sen. George Edwards has reported.
The governor submitted his proposed budget to the Senate and House of Representatives last Thursday.
“We are very pleased that Gov. Hogan has made this financial commitment to DCL restoration” said Ellen Williams, Friends of Deep Creek Lake chairwoman. “We have worked for a decade to get the state to address sediment issues at the lake.”
Friends of DCL is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the stewardship, conservation, and restoration of the lake and its watershed.
The pilot project could possibly begin in the winter of 2019–20, according to the organization.
“We do caution everyone that these funds are not guaranteed,” said Williams. “The governor’s budget is reviewed by the General Assembly House and Senate committees, and it is possible there could be adjustments in this allocation. We will be monitoring this very closely in Annapolis in the coming weeks.”
Arrowhead Cove is one of 10 sediment and pollutant impaired coves that were identified by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in 2012.
“As early as mid-August in dry years, the sediment accumulation leads to water levels’ decline, hindering recreational enjoyment and impacting access to the Arrowhead Market and the Inn at Deep Creek,” said Barbara Beelar, Friends of DCL director. “Sediment also contributes to decline in water quality and provides ideal habitat for aquatic invasive species. In Arrowhead, both Eurasian Watermilfoil and Hydrilla are found in this cove.”
If funding is secured, she noted, the pilot program will enable lake managers to obtain knowledge and expertise to determine future dredging options and projects. Decisions will also need to be made to ensure that future sediment accumulation is stopped or at least slowed.
Beelar stressed that Garrett County officials and lawmakers originally requested $1.8 million for the pilot project, based on an estimate developed by a consulting firm. So, even if the General Assembly does approve the proposed funds in the governor’s budget, there will be a shortfall of $700,000.
“A review of project costs and options for securing funds from other sources will need to be addressed before dredging can be implemented,” Beelar said.
Richard Matlick, Friends of DCL board member, expressed his appreciation for the efforts involved in getting the project listed in the governor’s budget.
“We recognize the hard work of our state delegation — Sen. George Edwards and Del. Wendell Beitzel — and the county commissioners who got us to this moment in time,” he said. “In previous legislative sessions, they have secured small sums which supported writing the grant application, leading to this funding, as well as changing of state policy for the Waterway Improvement Fund, which excluded allocation of state funds for lakes.”
Other projects listed in the governor’s FY 2019 budget include $7.2 million for planning and construction of the DCL Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Project; $1.38 million for the Casselman River Bridge; $1.18 million for the Garrett College Technology Building Renovation Project; $20,000 for upgrades to Accident’s Town Park West; and $33,000 for improvements to Friendsville Community Park.
Funding for the proposed $15.47 million Garrett College Performing Arts Center is not included in the 2019 budget, but $1.37 million was previously authorized. Additional funding will be requested in the future, according to information provided by Edwards.
Source: The Garrett County
