Board adopts resolution backing dredging and repair of Little Wicomico jetties
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Summary
After public testimony from homeowners, mariners and rescue volunteers about severe shoaling and safety risks, the board voted to adopt a resolution supporting joint permit work and state/federal funding applications for dredging and jetty repair.
Residents and water‑access stakeholders told the board the Little Wicomico entrance is dangerously shoaled and that the inlet, once federally maintained, now requires local support to compete for state and federal funding. "Depths are now 3 feet and less across most of the inlet," Sandra Maynard told the board, saying the shoaling poses current hazards to vessels, property values and first‑responder access.
Sherwood Forest Homeowners Association representative Ari Carpenter and others described impacts on recreational access and local businesses and urged the county to adopt a resolution of support to strengthen eligibility for the Virginia Waterway Maintenance Fund and other state and federal programs. County staff said the Northern Neck Planning District Commission (NNPDC) is serving as the project sponsor and that the joint permit application is on track for December.
Following legal review and a motion to adopt, the board voted by voice to pass the resolution of support. County legal counsel recommended approving the resolution that clarifies the county’s non‑financial role while confirming coordination with NNPDC, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The resolution directs staff to continue coordination to position the project for 2026 funding applications and to work with partners to complete the technical and permitting steps. Residents who urged action at the meeting said they welcomed the board’s vote and will continue to assist project sponsors.