Approximately 31 percent of Maryland's 4,360 mile coastline is currently experiencing some degree of erosion. Each year, Maryland loses approximately 260 acres of land along the Chesapeake Bay to shore erosion.
Recognizing the magnitude of the problem, Governor Parris N. Glendening appointed a Shore Erosion Task Force in August, chaired by Del. Rudolph C. Cane (D-37A). The task force is charged with identifying shore erosion control needs; reviewing contributing factors to shore erosion; clarifying local, state, and federal roles regarding shore erosion; and establishing five and 10 year plans with target dates.
The mission of the task force is to develop a meaningful and effective shore erosion control policy, plan and implementation strategy for Maryland. The primary findings of the task force include the need to address the following action items: (1) develop a comprehensive and regional approach for shore erosion control; (2) improve coordination of shore protection activities among various entities; (3) establish project review and selection criteria; (4) encourage the use of dredge materials in regional projects; (5) review engineering standards and conduct technical evaluations; (6) develop a financial strategy to address funding needs; (7) conduct public education; and (8) determine and fulfill data needs.
The task force is soliciting public comments on shore erosion issues and draft recommendations. Public meetings will be held in Hughesville, Chestertown, Havre de Grace, Cambridge, Annapolis and Princess Anne, from 7-9 p.m., on the following dates:
November 15, 1999
Southern Maryland Realtors Association Building
8440 Leonardtown Road
Hughesville, MD 20637
Kent County Commissioners Hearing Room
400 High Street, Room 100
Chestertown, MD 21620
November 17, 1999
Havre de Grace High School Auditorium
700 Congress Avenue
Havre de Grace, MD 21078
Delmarva Community Services
2450 Cambridge Beltway (Church Creek Road)
Cambridge, MD 21613
November 22, 1999
Environmental Matters Hearing Room
Lowe House Office Building, Room 160
Bladen Street and College Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401
Princess Anne's Commissioners Office
30513 Prince William Street
Princess Anne, MD 21853
The task force will accept both written and oral comments. Written comments can be sent to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Shore Erosion Control Program, Tawes State Office Building E1, Annapolis, MD 21401 or hand-delivered at any of the public meetings. All comments must be received by November 29, 1999.
The Task Force is scheduled to report its findings to the Governor, the Maryland's Senate Economic and Environmental Affairs Committee and the House of Delegate's Environmental Matters Committee, by January 1, 2000.
For more information, contact the DNR Shore Erosion Control Program toll free in Maryland at (877) 620-8DNR ext. 8531. Detailed information regarding the work of the Shore Erosion Task Force is also available on DNR's web site at: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/.
Posted: 11-4-1999
