Senator Carozza opposes state's okay for U.S. Wind OC Pier

 

(Portion of press release)

November 20, 2024

 BPW Votes to Approve US Wind’s Wetlands Application Hurts Local Fishing Industry

 Annapolis, MD – Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R-District 38) today urged the Maryland Board of Public Works to postpone or deny US Wind’s Tidal Wetlands License Application to build a large pier and bulkhead structure in the West Ocean City Harbor. 

The Maryland Board of Public Works voted to approve Wetlands License No. 23-0813 to construct a 353 foot long by 30 foot wide concrete pier with associated timber fenders and to construct 383 linear feet of replacement steel bulkhead as part of US Wind’s Operation and Maintenance Facility (O&M) in the West Ocean City Harbor.

“It is premature to make a decision today that will permanently damage our local commercial fishing industry and harm our fishing families who have lived and worked here for generations and are an important part of our Shore way of life,” testified Carozza who held up a petition in opposition to US Wind’s application during her presentation. “Many of the people who signed this petition of opposition did so during this year’s annual Harbor Day at the Docks held last month in the West Ocean City Harbor.“

I am both disappointed and frustrated with the Board of Public Works’ decision to approve US Wind’s application which would create a major negative economic impact on our commercial fishing industry.