Governor Hogan Announces $13.5 Million in Maryland Waterway Improvement Fund Awards

Funding for 60 Boating Access, Navigation, and Safety Projects in 19 Counties

The Town of Ocean City Fire Department is among the recipients of Waterway Improvement Fund dollars in Fiscal Year 2022, receiving funds for a fire and rescue vessel engine replacement. Photo by Steve Kwak.

Governor Larry Hogan today announced $13.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund grants for Fiscal Year 2022 to enhance and improve public boating access, facilities, and navigation throughout the state. 

“Boating is not just an important part of our history and our culture, it is also an important part of Maryland’s economy,” said Governor Hogan. “The announcement of these new grants is yet another shining example that Maryland is open for business, open for summer, and open for boating.”

The funding will go toward 60 projects in 19 counties, including grants for statewide projects and emergency water rescue needs. Projects include new public boating access, amenities, and facilities; dredging of navigable waterways; emergency vessels and equipment for local first responders; and other important infrastructure and initiatives.

“We are pleased to demonstrate Maryland’s commitment to keeping our waters safe and accessible through these grant awards,” Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio said. “The Waterway Improvement Fund is an essential program that benefits all waterway users.”

To streamline the grant application and management process, DNR has created the Grants Gateway to provide a single entry point for grantees and assure access to funding for innovative, local projects. The gateway also provides DNR with an integrated grant-management system to monitor sources, manage data, and ensure grants are consistent with the department’s strategic priorities.

The Waterway Improvement Fund was created in 1966 to support the development, enjoyment, and use of Maryland’s waters for the benefit of the general boating and cruising public. It is primarily derived from a five-percent vessel excise tax on boat purchases and titling.

Projects to be funded in Fiscal Year 2022:

Allegany County

Rocky Gap State Park
Boating access improvement and bulkhead replacement
$250,000

Town of Westernport
Boat launch improvements
$121,000

Anne Arundel County

Annapolis Fire Department
Equipment purchase for fire boats
$1,100

City of Annapolis
Adaptive boating center
$250,000

City of Annapolis
Engineering of new docks at Burtis Basin
$51,000

City of Annapolis
Floating dock installation at multiple street ends
$250,000

Green Heron Point, Arnold
Dividing creek maintenance dredging
$147,000

Grays Creek and Hunters Harbor, Lake Shore
Maintenance dredging
$222,000

Water Oak Point Road, Pasadena
Rock Creek dredged material placement site rehabilitation and stockpiling
$375,000

Sandy Point State Park
Boat ramp and marina parking area improvements
$250,000

Boone Trail, Severna Park
Yantz Creek and Saltworks Creek dredging
$110,000

Baltimore County 

Baltimore County Fire Department, Cockeysville
New fire and rescue vessel
$15,000

Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Department, Middle River
New fire and rescue vessel
$50,000

Gunpowder Falls State Park
Dundee Creek Marina pier and utility upgrades
$200,000

Baltimore City

Living Classrooms Foundation Marina
Improvements/replacement
$350,000

Calvert County

Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons
Boat basin pier and bulkhead replacement
$200,000

Town of Chesapeake Beach
Chesapeake Beach dredge material placement site
$250,000

St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department
New fire and rescue vessel
$25,000

Caroline County

Choptank Marina, Preston
Auxiliary parking lot expansion and permanent surfacing
$150,000

Choptank Marina, Preston
Engineering for redesign of fuel tank and seawall
$55,000

Tuckahoe State Park
Boat ramp replacement
$150,000

Dorchester County

City of Cambridge Municipal Marina
Marina improvements
$250,000

Crocheron Wharf   
Repairs and improvements
$250,000

Smithville Boat Ramp
Ramp repairs and improvements
$250,000

Frederick County

Cunningham Falls State Park
Boating ADA improvement
$150,000

Garrett County

Deep Creek Lake State Park
Boat dock replacement and boat area repairs
$200,000

Harford County

City of Havre de Grace
Water Street boat ramp parking lot
$133,500

City of Havre de Grace
Engineering for City of Havre de Grace marina dredging 
$150,000

Kent County

Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Department
Fire and rescue vessel
$50,000

Prince George’s County

Prince George’s County Fire Department
Water safety rescue equipment
$24,000

Queen Anne’s County

Centreville Landing
Parking lot and bulkhead enhancements
$250,000

Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center, Chester
Boat ramp and pier
$250,000

Southeast Creek Landing, Church Hill
Dredging
$100,000

Crumpton Landing
Boat ramp and bulkhead replacement
$250,000

Somerset County

City of Crisfield
Crisfield Depot piers and walkways
$90,000

Dames Quarter
Boat ramp bulkhead and pier improvements
$150,000

Janes Island State Park
Boat ramp and transient slip repairs
100,000

Smith Island
Tylerton county dock and harbor improvements
$75,000

Somers Cove Marina, Crisfield
Bulkhead replacement and marina site improvements
$2 million

Somers Cove Marina
General maintenance
$100,000

St. Peters Creek Marina
Bulkhead and finger pier replacement
$50,000

St. Mary’s County

Bushwood Wharf
Pier repair
$125,000

Ridge Volunteer Fire Department
Purchase fire and rescue vessel
$50,000

Snow Hill Park
Boat ramp
$500,000

St. Patricks Creek Federal Navigation Channel 
Maintenance dredging
$800,000

Talbot County

Easton Point
Boat ramp parking lot improvements
$50,000

Town of St. Michaels
Harbor Road boat slip improvements and water connections
$30,000

Washington County

Greenbrier State Park
Boat dock improvements
$200,000

Town of Hancock
Boat ramp improvements
$250,000

Williamsport Volunteer Fire & EMS
New fire and rescue vessel
$17,500

Wicomico County
Cedar Hill Marina
Bulkhead restoration
$250,000

Worcester County

Town of Ocean City Fire Department
Fire and rescue vessel engine replacement
$50,000

Town of Ocean City
Channel #10 maintenance dredging
$248,500

Natural Resources Police Area 1 Marine Facility, Ocean City
Maintenance dredging
$50,000

Pocomoke River State Park
Milburn Landing boat ramp repairs
$100,000

South Point Public Boat Ramp, West Ocean City
Bulkhead replacement and improvements
$250,000

Statewide

Emergency dredging and navigation needs
$1,313,400
($100,000 General Fund)

State cost share for Federal Clean Vessel Act funding for the operation/maintenance of marina sewage pumpouts
$146,000

State cost share for federal Sport Fish Restoration Boating Access (BA) and Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) projects
$250,000

Federal cost share for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service boating programs
$2.5 million

All FY22 Grants Gateway Awards are listed on the department’s website.