FENWICK ISLAND, Del. -- Plans for dredging in the north and south channels of the Little Assawoman Bay are underway, but the Town of Fenwick Island is asking for one last show of support to push the process forward.
Town officials filed for several permits with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). Following the filings, each entity asked for public feedback from the Fenwick Island community. Now, the town is in the third and final Round of Public Notifications related to DNREC. It supports the town's Subaqueous Permit and Water Quality Certification request.
"It's critical to ensure that the regulatory agencies understand that this is a community supported project and one that is important to our residents," says Fenwick Island Town Council member Bill Rymer.
Neighbors. like June Blocklin, say reaching out to DNREC is imperative after watching several boats get stuck in the mud-filled channels.
"I did go to the town meeting on dredging," says Blocklin. "It is one of the top three issues of the town, not just for those of us on the bay. So, I will do that and I'll urge my neighbors to as well."
Stephen Corrow agrees.
"I would definitely do it," says Corrow. "Dredge it and make highways out there, so people don't get stuck."
The town hopes to have the permits approved by November or December of this year. The project is expected to cost roughly $1 million, mostly funded by state grants.
The public comment period is open until October 31st. More information can be found here.