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Calvert County approves FEMA-funded buyouts of cliff-erosion homes in Chesapeake Ranch Estates
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners authorized the acquisition, demolition and restoration of privately owned homes threatened by cliff erosion in Chesapeake Ranch Estates, approving budget amendments and contract authorizations for two properties under FEMA hazard-mitigation grants.
Calvert County’s Board of County Commissioners voted to authorize acquisition and demolition of multiple homes in Chesapeake Ranch Estates that county staff said are at imminent risk from cliff erosion.
The Department of Public Safety’s emergency management division told the board it has a FEMA hazard-mitigation grant to acquire properties that are unsafe because erosion has undermined the cliff banks. Staff said the Maryland Department of Emergency Management is the award recipient, with Calvert County acting as a subrecipient and pass-through for FEMA funds, which cover 90% of approved costs while homeowners cover the remaining 10%.
For 12186 Laramie Lane in Lusby, staff said the house was already demolished in May 2024 under grant requirements and that a deed addendum will require the parcel to remain open space in perpetuity. The capital project for the acquisition is project 431; staff reported a federal share of $316,953.45, a private share of $30,373.80 and a total project cost of $347,327.25. The board closed the public record, approved the budget amendments and authorized the president to sign contract and settlement documents.
The board approved an identical approach for 1161 Stagecoach Circle in Lusby. Staff reported a federal share of $592,602, a private contribution of $45,627.70, and a total project cost reported in the record as $638,229.70. A deed addendum will require the property to be returned to a natural state and maintained as open space per the grant agreement.
Emergency management staff said the acquisitions are the most cost-effective and safety-conscious option because the cliffs are protected critical areas and, in some sections, habitat for Puritan tiger beetles limits mitigation opportunities. Commissioners and staff discussed signage and trespass warnings for cliff edges and noted the program will continue as additional properties are monitored. No members of the public signed up to speak at the Laramie Lane hearing; staff said two virtual participants were present but did not request to comment.
The board’s votes to close the records and authorize contract execution were carried by voice vote. The purchases will be forwarded for reimbursement requests as expenses are incurred under the grant agreement.
