VMRC splits $1.5M in Waterway Maintenance funds between Eastern Shore and Middle Peninsula projects

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission partially funded two Waterway Maintenance Fund (WMF) applications on April 21 after staff reported only $1,576,807 was available for new FY26 projects.

Accomack‑Northampton Planning District Commission sought $2.744M for Folly Creek maintenance dredging (≈17,200 cy to a −6 ft MLW channel) to restore working access to public landing and nearby oyster grounds. The Middle Peninsula requested $900,000 to develop a regional dredge‑material management plan, inventory upland placement options and advance engineering for a public placement site, citing several federally authorized channels blocked by lack of disposal options.

Commissioners agreed to split available funds so both initiatives can advance: $1,000,000 to Accomack‑Northampton and $500,000 to Middle Peninsula; the remainder will roll into next year’s WMF balance. Staff said awards are contingent on required permits and that an advisory review process will be developed for future cycles.

Supporters said the investments were needed to protect working waterfront jobs, tourism and emergency access on Virginia’s shallow draft waterways; others urged that partial funding risks stretching dollars too thin. Both applicants noted follow‑on federal and non‑profit funding opportunities and said the WMF awards would help unlock larger projects.

The decision reflects VMRC’s new role as steward of the WMF (previously housed at the Virginia Port Authority) and a push to pair maintenance dredging with beneficial‑use and long‑term placement strategies.