Long-planned projects have begin at Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, Maryland.
Dubbed the “Gateway to the Chesapeake,” Somers Cove is the state’s largest public marina.
Built by the City of Crisfield in 1958, the marina has been owned by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) since 1980.
The $30 million dollar project—which is being completed by DNR in partnership with the Maryland Department of General Services and Maryland Department of Transportation—is expected to be completed in 18-24 months.
The project will replace the boat ramp as well as eight of the marina’s 15 pieces with floating pier systems plus 2,000 feet of new bulkhead. Tide gates for flood prevention will be installed. Other work includes replacing upland utilities systems, including storm drains, sewer, water and electric infrastructure, installing a new emergency generator, replacing the marina’s electric and water systems on its piers, resurfacing parking lots across the marina, and improving ADA access with new sidewalks and access to multiple piers and slips.
The marina covers more than 300 acres and features 515 slips, which can accommodate boats up to 150 feet. The marina welcomes more than 5,000 boaters each year and serves as the eastern hub for Smith and Tangier Islands with daily tour bots and ferry service.
The project is funded primarily with $15.82 million in Waterway Improvement grants, which are collected from an approximately 5 percent excise tax on boat sales. Additional funding for the marina updates includes $8.73 million in General Obligation Bonds; and $5.95 million in Maryland Department of Transportation funding.
The general contractor for the project is Dvorak LLC of Baltimore.
Photos courtesy of DNR
