Cooperative Agreement Signed, Project to begin in early 2005 Annapolis (October 29, 2004) - Congressman Steny Hoyer and County Executive Janet S. Owens today marked the beginning of the Rockhold Creek Jetty project at ceremonial agreement signing in Tracey's Landing. Joined by Colonel Robert J. Davis, Commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers' Baltimore District, Congressmen Hoyer pledged his commitment to County Executive Owens and the citizens of Anne Arundel County to construct the project, which is slated to begin in early 2005. "I am pleased to have played a role in helping to move forward a project that will improve recreational and commercial use of our waterways, ease the burden on our environment, and provide savings to the American taxpayers," said Congressman Hoyer. "This is a significant project for Anne Arundel County," said County Executive Janet S. Owens this week. " The Federal Government has taken the lead in providing critical shoreline protection for our residents and businesses in an area that is steeped in maritime and watermen traditions. These businesses are not only part of our heritage, but continue to be a vital part of our history and economy. Despite the lively debate this project enjoyed during the planning phases, it became abundantly clear after Isabel that the jettys are essential if we are to protect our shoreline, properties and a way of life. I wish to thank Congressman Hoyer for his support and for bringing these funds and the expertise of the Corps to Anne Arundel County." Under the direction of the Corps of Engineers, an existing jetty at Cedar Point will be rehabilitated and a new breakwater constructed at Town Point on Rockhold Creek. Classified as one of just a few Federal Channels in the State of Maryland, the Corps will fund $3.4 million of the project cost, while Anne Arundel County will fund approximately $1 million in cooperation with the State Department of Natural Resources grant program.
"As a result of good partnership with Anne Arundel County and the Department of Public Works, we developed a solution that will dramatically reduce the cost to residents and businesses, while also providing the potential for significant storm damage reduction with the harbor of Rockhold Creek," said Col. Davis. This project follows a recently completed dredging operation by the Corps that opened the main channel in Rockhold Creek. Together, the projects provide greatly enhanced navigation to and from the populated creek destinations and provide greater access for necessary commerce. The project will provide channel and shoreline protection to a Federal Channel that is critical to the maritime industry in Anne Arundel County. With more than 500 miles of tidal shoreline, watermen and marine businesses are part of the fabric of this County's heritage and economic base. The proposed jetty and breakwater will benefit this harbor community in that the potential for storm damage to boats, docks and fast land is greatly reduced - lessons learned from last year's Tropical Storm Isabel. There is also the environmental benefit of not having to dredge every 6 years, along with an even greater impact of not having to find a location to place the dredge material. Once completed later in 2005, boats and commerce will be able to move up and down the channel, freely, and unencumbered. | 
