Wicomico County Wraps Up Phase II of Dredge Project

Wicomico County, MD - Wicomico County just checked another big box off its infrastructure to-do list. The Department of Public Works has finished Phase II of the County's dredge material recovery and relocation program. And they did it on time and on budget.

This is a big deal for the Port of Salisbury. The project helps keep the port running smoothly and supports the County's long-term plan for smart dredge management.

Phase I wrapped up back in November 2025. That phase moved more than 100,000 cubic yards of stored dredge material away from the Sharp's Point Dredge Management Facility.

Since then, crews have kept the momentum going. Prescribed burns and aerial surveys done this spring gave the County a clearer picture for future maintenance dredging. That paved the way for Phase II to move forward on an accelerated schedule.

This week, DPW finished moving an additional 110,000 cubic yards of dredge material. It's now sitting on County-owned property next to the Roads Division and Solid Waste campus. The project came together thanks to teamwork between the County's contractor, neighboring towns, and state and federal agencies.

"This is another example of Wicomico County taking a proactive approach to infrastructure and long-term planning," said County Executive Julie Giordano. "Our Department of Public Works has demonstrated exceptional leadership and collaboration to ensure this project was completed efficiently and responsibly. By preparing the Sharp's Point Dredge Management Facility for future dredging operations, we are protecting a critical economic asset while positioning our County for future opportunities."

Deputy Director of Public Works Adam Corry echoed that pride in the team's work. "The completion of Phase II marks a significant achievement for Wicomico County's long-term dredge management strategy," Corry said. "This project required extensive planning, coordination, and collaboration with our contractor, neighboring municipalities, and regulatory agencies. By completing this work on time and within budget, we have successfully prepared the Sharp's Point Dredge Management Facility for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' upcoming maintenance dredging while also strategically positioning dredge material for future beneficial reuse projects. It is a testament to the dedication of our team and the County's commitment to thoughtful infrastructure planning."

With Phase II complete, the facility now has room for more than 370,000 cubic yards of capacity. That gives the Army Corps of Engineers the space it needs for this season's maintenance dredging. It also puts material closer to future reuse projects, saving time and money down the road.

Over the past two years, Wicomico County has built a solid framework for maintaining its waterways. The work is paying off, protecting the region's maritime infrastructure while opening doors for future growth.