Congressman Harris Applauds Launch of Emergency Dredging in Ocean City Inlet

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D., is applauding the arrival of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the Ocean City Inlet, calling on its vital effort to maintain safe passage for commercial and recreational vessels and support the region’s economy.

Statement from Congressman Harris: 

“This emergency dredging is critical to keeping the Ocean City Inlet safe and navigable during peak boating season. With the White Marlin Open approaching and commercial and recreational boat traffic increasing, it was essential to act quickly. I’m grateful to the Army Corps for responding to our concerns and working closely with my office to ensure the dredge Merritt was deployed in time to protect public safety and the local economy,” Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. said.

Statement from Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan: 

"On behalf of all the Ocean City residents, business owners, and visitors I would like to thank Congressman Harris for his work and dedication in keeping the Ocean City inlet open and accessible for navigation. Even though the vessel that is normally used by The US Army Corps of Engineers to dredge our inlet was out of service, Congressman Harris worked with the Corps to make sure another vessel was available which will be coming to Ocean City in July to dredge the inlet," Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan said.

Statement from Commissioner President Ted Elder:
“Despite the annual maintenance dredging that took place earlier this year, sediment deposits are already creating serious navigational challenges for Worcester’s commercial and recreational fishing communities. Fishing is vital to Worcester’s economy, and we are grateful to Congressman Andy Harris and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for quickly responding to our emergency call,” Commissioner President Ted Elder said.

Statement from Senator Mary Beth Carozza: 
“I join with local community and business leaders to thank Congressman Harris for arranging this critical dredging in time for Ocean City’s premier White Marlin Open, bringing a huge economic boost to the local economy and State of Maryland as the largest billfish tournament in the world,” Senator Mary Beth Carozza said.

Statement from Delegate Wayne Hartman:
“The USACE Dredge Merritt is a welcomed sight in Ocean City. I have heard complaints from many constituents and personally navigated the inlet a few days ago. The growing shoals were alarming. Dredging is much needed for the safety of boaters, and I appreciate Congressman Harris’s efforts to make it happen,” Delegate Wayne Hartman said.

Statement from Waterman’s Association:
“The Waterman’s Association of Worcester County is pleased that the army Corps of Engineers will be coming in to dredge the inlet. It is very important to keep the inlet open and clear and navigable for all types of boats, both commercial and recreational. The Waterman‘s Association would like to thank Congressman Harris for all his hard work and diligence in getting the inlet dredged,” the Waterman’s Association said.