Crisfield closer to building new dock

Officials are getting closer to building a new city dock using federal funds once designated for a Chesapeake Bay ferry terminal.

After months of discussion with the Maryland Department of Transportation, the city has finally received a draft memorandum of understanding, said Mayor Percy Purnell.

The city has an $800,000 earmark from the 2005 federal transportation bill for a ferry landing. However, after feasibility studies showed a ferry could not make a profit, the landing was never built and the money remained on hold.

The funding agreement will require a 20 percent match from Crisfield, and Purnell said anything the city spends on engineering costs can be credited toward the $160,000 match.

The city was also awarded a $50,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources last year, and has applied for funds again this year.

The work will include steel bulkheads, a partially enclosed pavilion, a slightly elevated parking area and fishing piers, Purnell said.

City closer to building new dock | delmarvanow.com | The Daily Times