THE FOURTH
FIREWORKS, FESTIVALS, CONTESTS, AND EVENTS PAGE 69 JUNE 30, 2017
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
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Money set aside aids beach work Advance $3 million allows corps to begin replenishment early
By Katie Tabeling Staff Writer (June 30, 2017) The beach replenishment program that keeps the ocean from washing over Ocean City has the money it needs to proceed a year early, even though the 2018 federal budget remains in the murky stage. At a Monday morning press conference, Senators Ben Cardin (D- Md.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) stressed that getting the money for the program in advance is a solid investment for the state. “I don’t have to tell you that
the 2018 budget is very unclear at this point, so there’s no guarantee the budget will pass in time,” Cardin said while standing under the Boardwalk’s archway on North Division Street. “That’s why we had to advance $3 million to beach replenishment because it’s vitally important to Maryland. This is an incredible place and people love the beach.” The beach replenishment effort began in 1985, when local, state and federal officials realized they needed to mitigate storm damage and erosion after Hurricane Gloria blew up the beach. Buildings were built right up to the resort’s building line, with no dune between them and the ocean. See CARDIN Page 5
At last, resort ramping up boat launch facilities It may be just a boat ramp, but getting it was arduous process
KATIE TABELING/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Maryland Senators Ben Cardin, left, and Chris Van Hollen talk about beach replenishment at a press conference on the Boardwalk Monday morning. With next year’s federal budget unclear at this juncture, getting the Army Corps of Engineers money in advance will allow beach work to take place early.
Crab season cut, but no worries
By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (June 30, 2017) The Chesapeake Bay commercial crabbing season will end 10 days earlier this year, with reduced bushel limits for female crustaceans effective at the beginning of November, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced on Tuesday. Mike Luisi, DNR assistant director of See RESORT Page 11
By Katie Tabeling Staff Writer (June 30, 2017) Ocean City officials christened the 64th Street boat ramp Tuesday morning with a ribbon cutting attended by state officials and Gov. Larry Hogan. “We’re a boating community, and how can you be a boating community without a boat ramp?” Mayor Rick Meehan said during the short ceremony. “Now we have one where you can park your trailer. It’s what Ocean City’s about: outdoor recreation.” The two-ramp bayside facility opened with little fanfare on May 4, 60 days ahead of its target completion date. Channels surrounding the boat ramp
have been dredged to three feet at low tide. The new ramp is twice the size as the Little Salisbury boat ramp on 94th Street, which previously was the only public ramp in the resort where watercraft could be launched. “That was built 35 years ago, at a time where there were few homes in Little Salisbury. Then it developed to one of our largest communities, and there was no room for people to park while they were using their boats,” Meehan said. “This became a number one priority for us.” The city started its search by purchasing the land behind Rick’s Market on 64th Street for $5.1 million. Meehan said there were some issues in obtaining proper easements, wetland and Army Corps of Engineers permits, but See BAYSIDE Page 6