Coastal Resiliency Program Expands to Anne Arundel County

Total of Six Demonstration Projects Statewide

“Chesapeake Bay Sunrise” by Yvonne Navalaney

The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved dedicated funding of two Coastal Resiliency Grant Program projects in Anne Arundel County to help communities enhance their resiliency to the effects of climate change, extreme storms and weather.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is helping to design six shoreline improvement demonstration projects statewide to implement on-the-ground natural and nature-based restoration projects, including living shorelines, marsh enhancements and stormwater management systems in vulnerable areas throughout Maryland.

“This first-of-its-kind program utilizes natural and nature-based solutions to address climate-related events and impacts, such as erosion, flooding and storm surge,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “We continue to work with our local partners, utilizing the latest technologies, to find effective and innovative ways to protect Maryland’s coastal communities, infrastructure and public resources.”

In Anne Arundel County, the department will partner with the West/Rhode Riverkeeper to design a climate-resilient living shoreline at Franklin Point State Park. The proposed 2,500 linear foot project will stabilize the existing peninsula to increase resiliency of the park and nearby town of Shady Side. Additionally, the department is working to align dredging operations to pilot the beneficial use of dredged material at the location.

Additionally, the department will work with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and Longview Civic Association to design a climate-resilient living shoreline at Longview on the Magothy, a community of more than 100 homeowners in Arnold. The proposed 250 linear foot project will include removal of 190 feet of bulkhead, protection of a tidal pond, and stabilization of the community shoreline with natural features.

Both  grantees will work with staff and coastal engineers to complete designs and will partner with local communities to ensure an open and transparent process.

Funds for this new pilot program were designated in Governor Larry Hogan’s budget for Fiscal Year 2018, which set aside dedicated funds for the design of shoreline restoration projects.