RIDGE, MD - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) and Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) will announce over $1 million in federal funds for the maintenance of St. Jerome Creek on Monday, December, 5th.
The federal navigation channel at St. Jerome Creek restricts the ability of local recreational boaters, watermen, charter boat operators, and others to exit and enter the waterways during periods of low tide. The construction of jetties will free up these critical pathways and reduce the dredging need from a two year cycle to a ten year cycle. The House and Senate agreed to provide $200,000 to study the feasibility of constructing up to two jetties, as well as $850,000 to dredge 4900 feet of the creek.
In 2004, at the request of Congressman Hoyer, the Army Corps of Engineers agreed to expedite the dredging of St. Jerome Creek. This funding will allow the Army Corps of Engineers to complete the project, resulting in improved safety, navigability, and expanded access to boaters.