Page 17 - Port of Baltimore - Issue 1 - 2023

A Closer Look:
The Mid-Bay Project
The Maryland Port Administration’s (MPA) Dredged Material Management Program (DMMP) works collaboratively with
local stakeholders to identify cost-effective, innovative and environmentally sound long-term placement solutions for material dredged from the Port of Baltimore’s shipping channels.
At sites like Hart-Miller Island and Poplar Island, dredged material has restored eroded wildlife habitat and created new outdoor recreation opportunities for residents. In the coming years, James and Barren islands in Dorchester County will become the primary placement site for dredged material. The plan for material placement at these two islands is also known as the Mid-Bay Project. Here is a look at some of Mid-Bay’s key benefits and recent milestones. 
BENEFITS
PRESERVES
Existing island remnants and habitats
RESTORES
2,144 acres of
remote island habitat, including 1,212 acres of tidal wetlands
SUSTAINS
Reliable navigation by providing 30+ years of dredged material placement capacity
MILESTONES
MARCH 2022
Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment for Barren Island and Finding of No Significant Impact signed
APRIL 2022
Water Quality Certification received for Barren Island
AUGUST 2022
Project Partnership Agreement between the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers and the MPA executed and Tidal Wetlands License issued for Barren Island
SEPTEMBER 2022
The Corps awarded the first contract for construction at Barren Island
FEBRUARY 2023
Construction anticipated to begin at Barren Island
REDUCES
Erosion to local shorelines by decreasing wave heights
ENHANCES
Diverse wildlife habitat for avian and recreationally/ commercially important fish species
PROTECTS
Existing seagrass beds at Barren Island and promotes conditions to establish additional seagrass beds
The information above is taken from the DMMP’s 2022 Annual Report. View the full report here
The weather and boating condi- tions were perfect, which was a major factor in the success of the event. Photo credit: Robin L. Reed / Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Hart-Miller Island Run –
A 5-Miler Filled with Fun
The third Hart-Miller Island Run took place on October 22, and it was a big success!
Approximately 200 people traveled to the island for the event, where 109 runners competed in the race. Participants were mostly locals from the Baltimore metro area, but the event also had out-of-state attendees who traveled from Virginia, Pennsylvania and as far away as Florida.
The event was possible thanks to partnerships with the Maryland Environmental Service (MES), the Maryland Park Service, Charm City Run, the Maryland Port Administration, Friends of Hart- Miller Island, Friends of Maryland State Parks, and volunteers
from the North Point-Edgemere Volunteer Fire Department.
"You all should have this race twice a year. Have a spring event and a fall event,” said a happy runner after the race. 
To subscribe or renew, visit www.marylandports.com [15]