The Potomac River is now more accessible following three pier replacement projects in St. Mary’s County. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Boating Services and St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks worked together to renovate the piers located at Fox Harbor Landing in Ridge, River Springs Landing in Avenue, and St. George’s Island.
The new piers are Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible and provide boaters with safer access to the water. The total cost of the projects was $396,665, with DNR providing $327,841 through Waterway Improvement Grants, and St. Mary’s County providing $68,824. The State Waterway Improvement Fund is derived from the five-percent vessel excise tax paid when someone purchases and titles a boat in Maryland.