Additional Funding Announced for Chesapeake Bay Projects

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, has received additional funding to dredge the Ocean City Inlet, reduce flood risk in New York, expand Poplar Island and begin design work at Mid-Bay Island.

This funding is through the 2018 Work Plan for the Army Civil Works Program, which is Congressionally-authorized funding specifically for the Corps in addition to funding outlined in the 2018 Administration’s Budget.

Army Corps Headquarters is required to annually submit a Work Plan to Congress after a budget passes. Headquarters, working with the Office of Management and Budget, determines the allocation of these additional funds.

Work eligible for consideration for the additional funding generally includes projects, programs and activities funded in the three previous fiscal years with emphasis on ongoing work that can attain a significant milestone or produce significant outputs in the fiscal year.

“This money is essential for us to continue our unique missions that help reduce flood risk and support the Chesapeake Bay, along with its economy and people,” said Col. Ed Chamberlayne, Baltimore District commander.

In addition to the $250,000 in the 2018 Budget, Baltimore District received $500,000 for maintenance dredging of the Ocean City Inlet navigation channel, bringing the total allocation for fiscal 2018 to $750,000. Dredge material will be placed offshore along Assateague Island, south of the inlet.

The District also received $526,000 to complete the feasibility phase of the Upper Susquehanna River Basin Comprehensive Flood Damage Reduction Study for New York.