Posted on October 14, 2024
Hart-Miller Island won’t be filled with dredging from Sparrows Point. The port, seeking a deeper channel, will dump its river mud elsewhere.
SPARROWS POINT, MD — Following a determination from Tradepoint Atlantic to no longer pursue the potential placement of approved dredged material at the inactive Dredged Material Containment Facility at the North Cell of Hart-Miller Island, Baltimore County today announced it will suspend the Hart-Miller Island Community Benefit Agreement Steering Committee.
In addition, the Hart-Miller Island Community Benefit Agreement Steering Committee meeting, tonight, October 10, has been cancelled.
“We have always believed that government works best when our people drive the conversation. We are proud to have convened diverse leaders for a robust, thoughtful, and community-driven process to explore significant benefits for eastern Baltimore County as part of a potential plan that would have also accelerated a critical economic development effort,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski.
“I am disappointed the effort will not continue and believe this is a missed opportunity to have done something transformative. I am grateful for the dedicated efforts of our Steering Committee members, the support of our state and local partners, and all those who made their voices heard throughout this process.
With reverence for the rich history of the site and an unwavering commitment to building a stronger, sustainable future, Baltimore County will continue doing all we can ensure that Hart-Miller Island remains a shining community asset and beloved environmental gem. We also look forward to our continued partnership with Tradepoint Atlantic around the ongoing economic revitalization taking place at Sparrows Point – a partnership that is expanding our local economy, anchoring thousands of new jobs, and that has positioned the entire Baltimore region as a vital link in our global supply chain.”
“I am thankful to our volunteer Steering Committee members for the time and energy spent weighing the risks and benefits associated with considering a Community Benefits Agreement and re-opening Hart-Miller Island, and appreciative of the emphasis that this process placed on engaging our communities,” said Hart-Miller Island Community Benefit Agreement Steering Committee Chair Karen Wynn.
When a legislative proposal surfaced in late March to explore the reopening Hart-Miller Island for the purpose of dredge placement in support of a major port infrastructure project, County Executive Olszewski worked with Councilman Crandell and the Baltimore County State delegation to ensure that the communities of Baltimore County were at the forefront of this discussion, requiring that a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) be reached prior to any approval of the placement of new dredged material on Hart-Miller Island.
Following a public meeting that expressed overwhelming support for such a discussion, the Maryland General Assembly passed HB 343. In support of this work, Baltimore County announced a community-led steering committee which convened multiple open discussions with residents and stakeholders to discuss the framework of a potential community benefit agreement.
In response to community feedback, Tradepoint Atlantic officials announced earlier today that they will no longer pursue the potential use of the inactive Hart-Miller Island Dredge Containment Facility for placement of approved dredge material from the Sparrows Point Channel.
As a result, Baltimore County has suspended the efforts of the Hart-Miller Island Community Benefit Agreement Steering Committee.
“I am disappointed discussions have fallen to this point. Not once during this process was a legitimate argument or fact brought to my attention that should prohibit the completion of Hart Miller Island as a state park be considered,” said Baltimore County Councilman Todd Crandell. “We are leaving $40M on the table which could have created something special throughout our region. It is a sad day when misinformation is victorious at the cost of future generations.”
“I am profoundly disappointed that $40 million will now not be used for environmental and community projects, but will continue to support economic development at Sparrows Point,” said Baltimore County Councilman David Marks.
