Governor O’Malley Announces Funding For 130 Waterway Access, Protection & Navigation Projects

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Governor O’Malley Announces Funding For 130 Waterway Access, Protection & Navigation Projects

Annapolis, MD — Governor Martin O’Malley and the Maryland General Assembly recently approved more than $20 million in state Waterway Improvement Funds for 130 projects in 21 counties and Baltimore City to improve public waterway access and support safe boating and commercial navigation in Maryland’s waterways.

“Investing in increasing waterway access and boating opportunities and improving boating safety helps ensure that our waterways remain an important recreational and commercial resource that benefit Maryland families of all walks of life,” said Governor O’Malley.

Projects approved in the 2009 budget include: dredging channels to enable safe boat navigation; creating new and maintaining existing public boating facilities; acquiring fire, rescue and patrol boats; and installing marine sewage pump-out stations to improve water quality.

“The Waterway Improvement Fund is essential for sustaining recreational and commercial boating access in Maryland,” said Secretary John Griffin. “The local projects supported will have a significant, positive impact on the lives of Marylanders as they utilize and enjoy our waterways.”

Since 1966, the Waterway Improvement Fund has provided more than 4,100 grants totaling $260 million for the creation and improvement of nearly 300 public boating access sites, more than 190 navigation projects, and to support hundreds of other boating related projects and activities throughout Maryland. Maryland boaters contribute to the Waterway Improvement Fund through a 5 percent vessel excise tax.

Maryland anticipates receiving an additional $1.3 million in federal funds which will be used to create a new public boating ramp at Elk River Park in Cecil County and improve the public boating facility at Truxtun Park in Annapolis.

State-funded projects for the upcoming fiscal year include:

Nine projects in Anne Arundel County received $3,962,500 including:

$99,000 to replace boat ramp, add an access pier and other improvements at Truxton Park in Annapolis.

$99,000 to upgrade and maintain public boating facilities in Annapolis.

$99,000 to extend and improve piers for visiting boaters at the Annapolis Maritime Museum.

$20,000 to install navigational aids to improve access to the boating public in Warehouse Creek.

$394,000 for main channel dredging to restore boating opportunities in Carrs Creek.

$160,500 for main channel dredging to restore boating opportunities in Broadwater Creek.

$1.416 million to provide a local dredge material placement site for federal channel dredging in Parrish Creek.

$75,000 to complete engineering plans for repairing existing boat ramps at Sandy Point State Park.

$1.6 million to replace deteriorating bulkheads at public boating facilities at Sandy Point State Park.

Seven projects in Baltimore City received $739,000 including:

$500,000 to replace a storm-damaged breakwater that protects the existing boat ramp at Fort Armistead.

$99,000 to improve transient boating access at the Downtown Sailing Center.

$30,000 to improve the Welcome & Information Center at Finger Pier that provides boat docking information, security lighting and trash receptacles for visiting boaters.

$25,000 for a new patrol vessel for Inner Harbor Harbormaster.

$25,000 for a camera security system at the Inner Harbor Waterway.

$50,000 for renovations to existing boat ramps and parking areas at Canton, Ft. Armistead, And Middle Branch Parks public boating facilities.

$10,000 to purchase new equipment for dive team and fire boats for the Baltimore City Fire Department.

Eleven projects in Baltimore County received $1,883,500 including:

$75,000 to maintain existing navigation channels in Shallow Creek.

$700,000 to maintain existing navigation channels in the Middle River and its tributaries.

$75.000 to maintain existing navigation channels in Bear Creek tributaries.

$750,000 to maintain existing navigation channels and complete shoreline stabilization of Pleasure Island.

$75,000 to complete submerged aquatic vegetation surveys for local dredging projects throughout waterways in Baltimore County.

$99,000 to install buoys and markers in navigation channels throughout waterways in Baltimore County.

$15,000 to purchase equipment for the Baltimore County Fire Department’s swift rescue teams.

$25,000 to engineer renovations to existing storm-damaged pier/moorings at Fort Howard Park.

$25,000 to resurface and install a bio-retention area at the existing Southwest Area Park boating parking lot.

$9,000 to purchase water rescue equipment for Kingsville Volunteer Fire Company.

$10,500 to purchase water rescue equipment for Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department.

Calvert County received $100,000 to dredge transient boating slips at the North Beach town pier.

Five projects in Caroline County received $302,000 including:

$99,000 to replace existing pier and bulkhead at Ganey’s Wharf.

$25,000 to construct and ADA accessible pier and floating dock at the Choptank Marina.

$106,000 to complete replacement of a boat-landing and wharf at the G. Daniel Crouse Memorial Park.

$60,000 for improvements at the Martinak State Park floating dock.

$12,000 to install solar lights at VFW boat ramp in Federalsburg.

Carroll County received $8,000 to install two small pavilions along Big Pipe and Double Pipe Creeks water trails.

Nine projects in Cecil County received $1,047,250, including:

$10,000 to complete the engineering analysis needed to replace the bulkhead and dock at Marina Park in Port Deposit.

$30,000 to dredge the existing town pier for boaters visiting Charlestown.

$75,000 for dredging and repairs at the Stemmers Run Boating Facility.

$75,000 to engineer a breakwater to protect the boating facility at Rogues Harbor in Elk Neck State Park.

$150,000 to repair the boat launch catwalks and decking at the Rogues Harbor Boating Facility in Elk Neck State Park.

$83,250 to provide electrical service to the piers, and install ice eaters, an ADA accessible floating dock, solar security lighting and other improvements at the North East boat pier.

$500,000 to install a floating pier with slips and additional tie-ups for boaters visiting Perryville.

$25,000 to design a new park office and public restrooms at the proposed public boating facility (River Bend Marina) in Elk River Park.

$99,000 to construct a boat ramp, pier, parking and access road to the River Bend boat ramp in Elk River Park.

Five projects in Charles County received $748,000, including:

$99,000 to construct additional parking space for boaters at Slavins Landing in Mattingly Park in Indian Head.

$150,000 to dredge a navigation channel to improve access to the public boat ramp in Nanjemoy Creek.

$350,000 for parking, boat storage and access to the Sweden Point Marina in Smallwood State Park.

$50,000 to replace the fire and rescue boat for 10th District Volunteer Fire Department in Marbury.

$99,000 to construct a public boat ramp, pier, access road and gravel parking lot at Wilson Farm along Mallows Bay.

Seven projects in Dorchester County received $618,000, including:

$50,000 to replace bulkhead, construct a dock, and maintain navigation access to the Hoopers Island Dock.

$99,000 to replace the existing boat ramp and pier at the Great Marsh Boat Ramp in Cambridge.

$95,000 to repair the jetty at Elliott’s Island Marina.

$75,000 to dredge the channel and improve boating access to the ramp and public dock in Chapel Cove.

$99,000 for general maintenance of local public boating facilities throughout Dorchester County.

$50,000 to stabilize the shoreline and provide additional public access for boaters at the Vienna Waterfront Park.

$150,000 to construct a marine railway to servicing state vessels and equipment at the Cambridge Marine Terminal.

Two projects in Frederick County received $129,000, including:

$99,000 to replace the Brunswick boat ramp and realign for ADA.

$30,000 to install lights on the boat ramp and pier at Cunningham Falls State Park.

Three projects in Garrett County received $330,000, including:

$25,000 to design a comfort station and parking area at Friendsville Community.

$55,000 to improve the kayak and car top boat launch area in Deep Creek Lake State Park.

$250,000 to repair lighting and repave the parking area for the boat launch at Jennings Randolph Lake.

Seven projects in Harford County received $913,000, including:

$144,000 to replace piers, pilings, boat ramp, boarding dock and boat slips at the City Yacht Basin in Havre de Grace.

$270,000 to repair breakwaters, replace the existing floating dock, install an automatic gate and expand the existing parking lot at the Lapidum Boating Facility in Susquehanna State Park.

$99,000 to renovate the piers, ramps, bulkhead and parking area at Willoughby Beach.

$125,000 to maintain the existing navigation channel in Swan Creek.

$75,000 to engineer dredging of existing navigation channels in the Gunpowder River, Taylor Creek, and Rumsey Island near Joppatowne.

$100,000 to create additional capacity at the Tydings Island dredge management project site.

$100,000 for natural shoreline protection at the Swan Harbor Farm adjacent to an existing boating pier.

Howard County received $99,000 to complete a boat launch and boating access pier on Centennial Lake.

Three projects in Kent County received $199,000, including:

$50,000 to replace Canon Street bulkhead in Chestertown.

$50,000 to install a fence to control parking at the boat ramp at Bayside Landing Park in Rock Hall.

$99,000 to replace electrical service at boat slips at Bayside Landing Park in Rock Hall.

Montgomery County received $99,000 for a new patrol boat at Lake Needwood and dock repairs and expansion on Little Seneca Lake.

Three projects in Prince George’s County received $320,000, including:

$50,000 to purchase a fire and rescue boat for the Prince George’s County Volunteer Marine Fire Rescue, Inc.

$250,000 to replace dock at Fort Washington Marina.

$20,000 to purchase side-scan sonar equipment for the Prince George’s County Fire & Emergency Medical Services Water Rescue.

Seven projects in Queen Anne’s County received $546,000, including:

$50,000 to replace bulkhead and decking at the First Ave. dock in Queenstown.

$95,000 for maintenance dredging at the Queen Anne’s Waterman’s Boat Basin.

$72,000 maintenance dredging of boat slips at the Queen Anne’s County Marinas in Dominion and Centreville.

$50,000 to purchase a fire and rescue boat for United Communities Volunteer Fire Department.

$150,000 to replace the ramp and protect the shoreline at Thompson Creek Boat Ramp.

$99,000 to construct an ADA compliant pubic boardwalk and boat dock at the Centreville Wharf extension in Southside.

$30,000 for shoreline stabilization at the Centreville Wharf Extension in Southside.

Ten projects in Somerset County received $1,371,200, including:

$15,200 to rehabilitate the Deal Island/Chance Volunteer Fire Co. fire and rescue boat.

$25,000 for a new Collins Street boating pier.

$460,000 for pier replacement and other improvements to Somers Cove Marina.

$75,000 to replace decking at cross bracing at Crisfield Marine Terminal’s Natural Resources Police pier.

$99,000 for expansion of the Lori Quinn Dr. Pier in Crisfield.

$99,000 to maintain and improve Somerset County boating facilities.

$99,000 to replace the bulkhead at Tylerton Marina.

$99,000 to replace the public dock on Jenkins Creek.

$200,000 for a shoreline protection jetty to prevent siltation of the navigation channel in Webster’s Cove.

$200,000 for new finger piers, pilings, utilities and lighting at Janes Island State Park Marina.

Five projects in St. Mary’s County received $823,720, including:

$4,500 for a new fire and rescue boat and other safety equipment for the Golden Beach Fire Station in Mechanicsville.

$80,000 to design a replacement pier, floating docks, mooring piles, and boat ramp at the Piney Point Natural Resources Police facility.

$440,220 to repair of the timber jetties and maintenance dredging in Kingston Creek.

$200,000 to construct piers, tie-ups and boat slips at the Leonardtown Wharf.

$99,000 to maintain and improve public boating facilities throughout St. Mary’s County.

Eight projects in Talbot County received $597,000, including:

$110,000 to replace the Honeymoon bridge and adjacent boat slips along Cherry Street.

$50,000 to improve the parking lot at the Bellevue Public Landing.

$50,000 to improve the parking lot at the Claiborne Public Landing.

$75,000 to improve the parking lot at the Neavitt Public Landing.

$99,000 to maintain and improve public boating facilities throughout Talbot County.

$15,000 to provide a boat slip and electrical service for the Tilghman Island Volunteer Fire Department fire and rescue boat at Tongers Basin.

$99,000 to replace Mulberry St. bulkhead in St. Michaels.

$99,000 to replace bulkheads used for transient boats at Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

Two projects in Washington County received $159,000, including:

$99,000 to replace the boat ramp and improve the boating parking area at River Bottom Park in Williamsport.

$60,000 to replace the boat ramp pier in Greenbrier State Park.

Three projects in Wicomico County received $898,000, including:

$700,000 to restore jetties and dredge the Nanticoke Harbor.

$99,000 to design a new boating facility on the Wicomico River in Pirate’s Wharf Park.

$99,000 to maintain and improve public boating facilities throughout Wicomico County.

Ten projects in Worcester County received $684,000, including:

$20,000 to purchase a new patrol boat for Assateague State Park.

$99,000 for repairs and improvements to the Laurel Street and Winter Quarters Public Boating Facilities in Pocomoke City.

$100,000 to dredge entrance channel into Shad Landing Marina in Pocomoke River State Park.

$60,000 to replace the roof of the Natural Resources Police boat house and dredge an entrance channel to the NRP boat house in Ocean City.

$57,000 to replace finger piers and design a new boat ramp in West Ocean City.

$50,000 to relocate the existing South Point Boat Ramp to improve boat launching.

$50,000 for parking lot resurfacing at Taylor Landing.

$99,000 to construct finger piers with water and sewer connections at Public Landing Marina.

$50,000 to acquire a fire and rescue boat and other equipment for Ocean City.

$99,000 to replace and improve the boat ramp at Byrd Park South.

Several regional and statewide projects received $3,423,830, including:

$99,000 to improve public boat ramps throughout C&O Canal Historic Park in Montgomery, Frederick and Washington Counties.

$1 million to replace the J.M. Tawes ice breaker vessel.

$375,800 to replace Natural Resources Police patrol vessels.

$350,000 to complete a detailed site assessment of proposed new public boating access facilities in state waterways including those within the John Smith National Water Trail.

$499,030 for maintenance dredging in public navigation channels.

$750,000 to complete boating related shoreline protection projects.

$100,000 for marine sewage pump-out stations.

May 22, 2008
Contact: Olivia Campbell
410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell
ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov.