Board backs emergency funding push and easement acquisition for Little Wicomico dredging

The Board of Supervisors on Jan. 8 authorized county staff to acquire the private and pipeline easements needed for the Little Wicomico dredging project and approved sending a letter of support to pursue emergency funding through the Virginia Waterway Maintenance Fund.

County staff reported that the joint permit application and Army Corps form were submitted Dec. 19, 2025; the Army Corps and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) have requested additional information and the county, consultant VIMS and the Planning District Commission are preparing responses. Staff said adjoining property-owner signatures for required easements have been secured and county counsel had finalized the dredge material placement and pipeline easements.

Officials described the situation at the jetty as severe and said they plan to classify the grant request as an emergency funding submission. County staff said the PDC will assemble the application materials and expected to submit the application by the end of next week. Supervisors voted to direct staff to acquire easements required by the joint permit and to send a letter of support for the emergency funding request.

Public commenters including Sandra Maynard and John Krebs urged the board to press legislators and to publicize the importance of dredging for local revenue generation and navigation safety. The board asked staff to continue coordinating with state representatives and to gather supporting correspondence.

Next steps: staff to complete responses requested by permit agencies, finalize and record easements, and submit the emergency funding application to VMRC by the targeted date.