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County to study shoreline protections after erosion problems at High Point and Piney Point
Summary
Commissioners heard updates on shoreline erosion and marine projects, including emergency work at the High Point Lighthouse site and a proposed county study to prioritize protective measures for county‑owned waterfront assets.
County staff briefed commissioners on shoreline erosion problems that affect county facilities and coastal parks and requested funding for a countywide shoreline assessment and targeted projects.
Staff described emergency repairs and a pre‑construction meeting for a deteriorating boardwalk and shoreline at High Point Lighthouse; short‑term fixes (bio logs and other temporary measures) are expected with DNR coordination. For longer‑term protection, staff proposed a $1 million planning/construction placeholder for FY2023–24 for High Point and indicated a larger programmatic study to evaluate county‑owned waterfront facilities.
Separately, the Piney Point and St. Clement’s Island museum areas were discussed; staff proposed using a county coastal‑protection plan to identify beach stabilization and wave‑break options. Commissioners and staff also discussed Johnson Farm Pond (on the Saint Mary’s Crossing property), where a dam inspection showed significant distress; staff proposed an initial $60,000 study and design work to evaluate repair versus controlled breach, noting that a controlled breach requires careful permitting and downstream mitigation.
Directives: staff to pursue short‑term emergency measures where required, coordinate with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and MDE on temporary protections, and scope a countywide shoreline assessment to prioritize county facilities for funding and grant pursuit.
