Posted on May 29, 2018
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is providing $12.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund grants to enhance and improve public boating access, facilities and navigation throughout the state.
This fiscal year 2019 funding will go toward 57 projects in 18 counties and Baltimore City.
“Boating is a cherished way of life our state, both as an industry and for recreation,” said Gov. Larry Hogan. “We are committed to expanding opportunities for our citizens and visitors to appreciate all that our waterways, coastal bays, the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean have to offer, and these grants will allow even more Marylanders to make memories out on the water.”
Funded projects include the dredging of local and federal navigation channels, maintaining public boating access facilities, improving and upgrading existing infrastructure such as bulkheads, parking, piers and ramps, and purchase of rescue equipment for emergency and first responders.
“Boating is a way of life in the Old Line State, with the boating and maritime industries supporting thousands of jobs in Maryland and contributing billions of dollars to our economy and environment,” Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “The Waterway Improvement Fund is a vital state resource that ensures that residents and visitors alike can access world-class recreational boating opportunities safely and enjoyably.”
In Kent County, projects funded include: improvements including ramp, piers, bulkhead and parking, Chestertown Marina, $99,000; and replace existing pier with new Americans with Disabilities Act accessible pier above flood elevation, Quaker Neck Landing Road, Chestertown, $97,500.
In Queen Anne’s County, projects funded include: maintenance dredging in Prices Creek, Stevensville, $800,000 tax district loan; maintenance dredging of the north side of channel Kent Narrows, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Channel, Chester, $400,000; replacement of the failing bulkhead and dredging at the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center, Chester, $202,500 in matching funds; purchase of Natural Resources Police Patrol Boat at Matapeake Marine Terminal, Stevensville, $100,000; boat slip improvements including water, electric and lighting at Centreville Wharf, $85,000; and the purchase of a thermal imaging camera for the Grasonville Volunteer Fire Department, $10,000 in matching funds.
In Talbot County, projects funded include: maintenance dredging, Tongers Basin, Knapps Narrows, Tilghman Island, $100,000; install a floating dinghy dock at F-dock and improvements at a new boat ramp, Oxford Boating Facilities, $50,000; and dredging at San Domingo Creek town dock, Back Creek Park, St. Michaels, $36,000.
In Caroline County, projects funded include: boat ramp and marina renovations at Choptank Marina, Preston, $98,000; and the installation of a floating dock at Crouse Park, Denton, $95,825.
In Dorchester County, projects funded include: construction of 645-foot steel bulkhead with utilities and paving at Cambridge Marine Terminal, Cambridge, $2 million; replacement of a jetty at Elliott Island Marina, $150,000; boat ramp and dock improvements, Town of Vienna Waterfront, Vienna, $99,000; replacement of bulkhead and restoration of parking area at landing, Taylors Island Road, $80,000; replacement of a pier at a boat ramp, Town of Secretary, $60,000.
Source: Kent County News
