Snow Hill, Maryland – Thanks to coordinated efforts between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Congressman Andy Harris, an additional dredge project will get underway on or about July 15. The project is anticipated to take eight to 10 days to complete.
“Despite the annual maintenance dredging that took place earlier this year, sediment deposits are already creating serious navigational challenges for Worcester’s commercial and recreational fishing communities,” Commissioner President Ted Elder said. “Fishing is vital to Worcester’s economy, and we are grateful to Congressman Andy Harris and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for quickly responding to our emergency call for additional dredging ahead of the White Marlin Open.”
The dredge Merritt will remove around 10,000 cubic yards of material in three Priority Areas. These include the Ocean City Harbor, the Inlet, and the intersection of the channel and the Isle of Wight Bay Channel.
“The Merritt will only be able to dredge the northern portion of the OC Harbor channel due to its proximity to residential areas,” Worcester County Environmental Programs Director Bob Mitchell said. “The dredge will side cast material to the south of the channel where there will be some additional shoaling.”
This is an emergency operation and will provide temporary relief until the hopper dredges are once again available. Boaters should anticipate delays when traveling in the areas being dredged and should not attempt to pass on the side of the boat where dredge materials are being cast.