Dredging equipment is in the North Point Lagoon for the project there and at Bayside Center.
By MADDY VITALE
Dredging projects are underway in Ocean City to remove sediment from lagoons and channels along the bayfront and provide clear waterways for boaters, marinas and property owners.
Back in October during a town hall meeting, Mayor Jay Gillian explained that a five-year, $20 million dredging program is about improving quality of life.
“When you put up all that money, it shows people that we’re serious,” the mayor said in an interview during a break from the meeting. “We’re going to keep on looking at our options.”
This past week, Eric Rosina, project manager for ACT Engineers, the city’s dredging consultant, said, “Dredging progress continues throughout the city.”
Rosina pointed out that the dredging contractor has worked in several areas, including Bluefish Lagoon, Glen Cove, Snug Harbor, Seventh Street and the Bayside Center.
“Post-dredge surveys are being conducted to confirm required dredge volumes have been achieved,” Rosina said.
The Bayside Center overlooks one of the waterways that will be dredged.
Ocean City Public Information Officer Doug Bergen said the most recent bay dredging operation will be between the Bayside Center and North Point Lagoon.
Dredging equipment was set up in North Point Lagoon last week, but the work has not begun yet. Bergen said he does not have exact start dates from the contractor.
During the October town hall meeting, a list of dredging projects was provided to the public.
In addition to Bayside Center and North Point Lagoon, there will be other areas in the north end of town dredged in this series of projects, including the Waterfront Park and Marina at Second Street.
In the central part of the city, dredging will be done at the entrances to Snug Harbor, Glen Cove and Sunny Harbor. The entrance and midway in South Harbor, the bay end of Seventh Street and Bluefish Lagoon will also be dredged.
The mayor and City Council have pledged to complete projects to clear out the sediment-choked channels. The city has been working in partnership with the state and federal governments for millions of dollars in grant money to help offset the cost of dredging and flood-mitigation projects.
The dredging program has benefited from more than $8 million in grants.
To view Ocean City’s presentations on dredging projects and flood control: www.ocnj.us/capital-projects-bay/
Dock owners and marina owners will see clearer waterways for boating.
