Maryland DNR provides funding for 24 public boating projects

July 17, 2026, by Eldin Ganic

Governor Wes Moore said that the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will provide $13 million in Waterway Improvement Fund allocations and $7 million in General Obligation Bond funding toward 24 public boating projects throughout Maryland in Fiscal Year 2027, which began July 1.

The grants provided to partners will support new and improved public boating access facilities, dredging of navigable public waterways, boating-safety-related vessels, and other important infrastructure and initiatives.

“Boating is an integral aspect of Maryland’s cultural identity that supports our seafood and tourism economies,” said Gov. Moore. “These major investments provide resources to strengthen our boating infrastructure, expand recreational access, and ensure the longevity of our waterways for Marylanders to enjoy the Chesapeake Bay for generations to come.”

Projects funded by Waterway Improvement Funds (WIF) in FY27 include:

Anne Arundel County:

Asquith Creek (Severn River) maintenance dredging; $450,000 (matching funds)
Marley Creek (Patapsco River) maintenance dredging; $722,500 (matching funds)

Baltimore City:

Broening Park boating facility improvements; $125,000

Baltimore County:

Pleasure Island Channel maintenance dredging and beneficial use; $1.4 million

Caroline County:

Choptank Marina improvements and fuel station upgrades; $250,000

Charles County:

Town of Indian Head, Mattingly Park – Slavins Dock boating facility improvements; $320,000

Dorchester County:

City of Cambridge yacht basin improvements; $1 million (matching funds)
Tylers Cove Marina renovations; $500,000
Town of Vienna boating facility renovations; $100,000

Harford County:

City of Havre de Grace yacht basin facility improvements;$125,000
Gunpowder River and Taylors Creek maintenance dredging; $1.5 million

Kent County:

Town of Chestertown marina fuel systems upgrades; $175,000
Bogles Wharf (Rock Hall) Boating facility improvements; $100,000

Queen Anne’s County:

Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department safety and rescue vessel; $80,000 (matching funds)
Town of Queenstown, Queenstown Creek channel dredging and beneficial use placement; $925,000
United Communities Volunteer Fire Department safety and rescue vessel; $80,000 (matching funds)
Matapeake Landing (Stevensville) boat ramp improvements; $250,000

Somerset County:

Somers Cove Marina bulkhead replacement and facility improvements; $7 million General Obligation Bonds; $1.727 million

St. Mary’s County:

Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department safety and rescue vessel; $80,000 (matching funds)
St. George Island boating pier improvements; $125,000

Talbot County:

New Bridge Landing boating facility improvements; $546,000 (matching funds)
Town of St. Michaels West Harbor Road and East Chew Avenue boating marina facility improvements; $725,000

Worcester County: