Enhancing Maryland’s Working Waterfronts

Department Awards Three Grants

Photo by Allan Napfel

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has awarded three municipalities—Talbot County, the City of Annapolis and the Town of Rock Hall—with financial and technical assistance for projects through the new Working Waterfronts Program. These one-year projects will begin in early to mid February with the goal of enhancing and preserving their waterfront communities.

“The history, culture and community identity of our coastal communities is inextricably linked to the existence of the working waterfront,” Chesapeake and Coastal Service Director Matthew Fleming said. “These communities are home to water-dependent businesses and industries that support jobs in our state, making them an important component of Maryland’s economy. We look forward to the work that these three communities will do with this funding to protect and invigorate their coastal communities and marine-based economies.”

This newly-created funding opportunity, made possible by a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Natural Resources, was announced last September. Applicants were encouraged to address traditional uses, public access, maritime heritage, tourism, recreation, and natural resources conservation and/or restoration, while taking into account potential flooding and storm surge impacts.

“The working waterfront is without a doubt, the core of Rock Hall—our town’s economy revolves around it,” Rock Hall Mayor Brian Jones said. “We are excited to receive this funding to enhance our harbor through professional expertise and planning efforts.”

Moving forward, all three municipalities will be working with professionals and local stakeholder groups to address various community needs, including waterfront planning, harbor design, and maritime business support.

Learn more about the program in this Working Waterfronts video.