Ocean City OKs funding for capital improvements

The Ocean City Council gave final approval to a bond ordinance last week that will fund capital improvements throughout town.

The measure includes $5.5 million for reconstructing streets and alleys and another $5.5 million for neighborhood drainage projects. It includes $2 million for bayside dredging, $2 million for the improvement of public buildings, and another $1.5 million for other public facilities.

“The funding ordinance is one of the first steps that will allow us to complete projects such as pumping stations to help mitigate flooding in the 9th-18th Street and West 17th Street areas,” Mayor Jay Gillian said in his weekly update.

“It will pay for dredging shallow lagoons, boardwalk restrooms and things like Pickleball and bocce ball courts for our residents and guests.”

Dredging work is scheduled this year for Carnival Bayou, Venetian Bayou, Sunny Harbor and South Harbor.

Projects included in the bond ordinance are guided by Gillian’s five-year capital plan.