Chesapeake Bay News

The Maryland Board of Public Works approved $1.39 million in Waterway Improvement Funds to be used for pier upgrades and replacements at Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, Md. “Somers Cove Marina will continue to be one of Crisfield’s greatest assets. Boaters throughout the state will reap benefits from this project,” said Crisfield Mayor P.J. Purnell.

The marina’s fuel pier, which was originally built in the 1960s, will be extended by 66 feet and undergo other much-needed repairs. The fuel pumps and dispensers will be replaced with modern equipment and reconfigured to allow up to four vessels to be served at once, relieving congestion on busy weekends and holidays. Re-decking and repairing the fuel pier will improve both safety and functionality and the changes to the fuel dock will allow for easier approach and docking for boaters.

Additionally, an existing fixed pier that dates back to the mid-1970s will be replaced with a modern floating dock that will have 26 slips ranging from 40-50 feet in length. A new section of the floating dock will be able to accommodate vessels up to 100 feet. Floating docks are very popular with boaters because they rise and fall with the tides, alleviating the need to adjust dock lines often and making boarding safer. The marina already has a waiting list of boaters who want a slip on the new floating dock system.

“These necessary improvements will enhance services to Maryland boaters as well as the many transients who make Somers Cove Marina their first stop in Maryland on their way up and down the Intracoastal Waterway,” said Lloyd Tyler, Executive Director of Somers Cove Marina.

Somerset Paving and Marine, Inc. has been selected for the project, which will greatly improve service and safety for commercial and recreational boaters using the marina. The Waterway Improvement Fund is supported by the 5 percent vessel excise tax that is paid when a boat is titled in Maryland and is administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for the benefit and safety of the boating public.

Work is expected to begin on the fuel pier in two to four weeks, and construction on the installation of the new floating dock will follow. All upgrades and repairs should be complete in time for boaters to enjoy them for the bulk of the 2010 boating season.

This information is provided as a public service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. www.dnr.maryland.gov

A new facility is to be known as the “Martha H. Williams Memorial Pool at Somers Cove Marina”.

Governor Martin O’Malley was joined by state and local officials to dedicate the Somers Cove Marina Pool in Crisfield with a new name, the “Martha H. Williams Memorial Pool at Somers Cove Marina.” The announcement was made at the Annual J. Millard Tawes Crab & Clam Bake in Crisfield, MD on Wednesday, July 15.

“Mrs. Williams may not be with us now, but her memory will live on forever through this pool that she used as her classroom for 11 years,” said Governor O’Malley.

In April, Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John Griffin requested on behalf of the Somers Cove Marina Commission that the Board of Public Works (BPW) approve the renaming of the Somers Cove Marina Pool after Martha H. Williams, an American Red Cross volunteer and swimming instructor at the marina pool for more than 11 years. Through her efforts, more than 500 children learned to swim and many of them went on to become lifeguards in the area. Williams passed away in December 2008. The swimming program continues today, where many children of Mrs. Williams’ students are now learning to swim. The BPW approved the renaming at its May 20th meeting.

Among the state and local officials present were Delegate Norman Conway, Crisfield Mayor P.J. Purnell, Jr., DNR Secretary John Griffin, Williams family members, the Somers Cove Marina Commission and local citizens.

“Both the Commission and I feel it is a fitting tribute to name the Somers Cove Marina pool in honor of this dedicated volunteer,” said Secretary Griffin.

Representatives of the Maryland Red Cross presented a plaque to the Somers Cove Marina Commission at the Annual J. Millard Tawes Crab & Clam Bake. Held every year on the third Wednesday in July at Somers Cover Marina in Crisfield, the event is a celebration in honor of Crisfield native J. Millard Tawes, the 54th Governor of Maryland, and is recognized as one of Maryland’s finest seafood festivals with all-you-can-eat crabs, clams, fish, corn-on-the-cob and much more in an outdoor setting.