Anne Arundel
Waterway Restoration Alliance

Meeting Notes 2007-05-22

May 23, 2007 the AAWRA meeting for year 2007 @ South County Police Headquarters was called to order by President Bob Whitcomb. Special guest Merrill Plait and Masoud Ghatineh of Anne Arundel County DPW. Also in attendance was Bea Pouling from the County Executive office and Jennifer Mook, representing Bayland.

Attendance: 16 individuals were present.

Merrill Plait was introduced and given the floor. It's been a great year for funding dredging projects. The State Waterway fund has granted Arundel County the largest dollar amount this fiscal year which included Carrs Creek. Carrs Creek is not scheduled for dredging till 2008/2009 winter.

Parish Creek dredging has been put on hold due to Federal government funding which has been delayed. Locust Cove has been postponed for expansion of the dredging area, and will require more engineering. Warehouse Creek grant was denied, so this dredging project has been postponed.

Town Point DMP site requires 2000 yards to be reconstructed to create 70,000 yards for receiving dredged material. The required permits are in the works.

DPW is working with Critical Area department who is reviewing the site. Some reforestation will be required because some trees will have to be removed. Anywhere from 4 to 11 acres may be required. The Army Corp is reviewing damage from Parkers Creek dredger who will not be awarded any future Anne Arundel dredging contracts. The County and Bayland are working on revisions to existing permit applications, to enable emergency repairs to be done this summer.

There are now 3 additional agencies reviewing Town Point. DPW and Bayland are focusing on addressing questions and concerns. All 3 must sign off on Town Point for the permitting process to be approved to use Town Point as a DMP site. They are working hard and have several options that they are researching for DMP sites. All other sites will require research and can take from a year to 6 years.

Anne Arundel County Budget has 8 more days until completed. It appears that the county budget is on track for the proposed waterway improvements.

Miscellaneous notes:

  • Advocates of Herring Bay (group who is issue concerns of Town Point DMP site) have a monthly meeting now with county DPW and Bayland to address concerns and work out details. President Bob Whitcomb attends these meetings representing AAWRA.

  • At this time, the dredging schedule is still set for Town Point and Broadwater dredging projects this coming winter. County pays for engineering and permitting. Permitting funds are reclaimed for spur channels once dredged.

  • AAWRA will begin working on draft letter to address Town Point DMP site.

  • Treasurer requested that members renew their annual membership if they have not done so.

  • The next meeting will be held August 7.
Members attending this meeting were: 
Bob Whitcomb, Saefern
Jay Phillips, DCET
Elisa Moore, Deale Beach
Geoff Thomas, Admiral Heights
Paul & Gloria Rickett, Broadwater Farms
Rhonda Harrision, Highpoint
Mary Lawrence, Poplar Point
Mike Greers, Lochhaven
Vern Penner, Amberley
Chistine Reinert, Poplar Point
Ken Hawes, Shady Side