Maryland’s governor has unveiled a $20 million commitment to improve public boating access and waterway safety across the state, with funding directed toward 24 projects set to get underway in Fiscal Year 2027, which began July 1.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will distribute $13 million through the Waterway Improvement Fund alongside $7 million in General Obligation Bond funding. The money will go toward upgrades at public boating facilities, dredging of navigable waterways, boating safety vessels, and related infrastructure improvements.
“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.”
Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Josh Kurtz highlighted the program’s community-driven approach. “Boating is one of Maryland’s most cherished cultural activities and a significant economic driver for our state,” he said. “The Waterway Improvement Fund has been essential for improving public boating access and safety. It’s funded by Maryland’s boating public and allocated based on guidance from our waterfront communities.”
Boating represents the largest outdoor recreation industry in Maryland, generating more than $4 billion in economic activity and sustaining roughly 17,000 jobs statewide.
The Waterway Improvement Fund operates on a user-pay, user-benefit model. It is primarily funded through a one-time 5% excise tax collected when a boat is purchased and titled in Maryland, along with a portion of the state gas tax. Since the fund was established in 1966, it has channeled more than $469.5 million into state and local projects, completing more than 4,900 capital projects at nearly 400 public boating access sites and within 250 navigable channels across the state.
One of the most significant projects receiving support this year is a major overhaul of the state-owned Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, including replacement of the marina’s bulkhead. Described as Maryland’s largest publicly owned marina and a gateway to the Chesapeake Bay, the $30 million renovation is scheduled to begin in late summer.
Eric Luedtke, DNR’s Director of Capital Projects, emphasized the fund’s broad importance. “The Waterway Improvement Fund is the cornerstone of recreational boating in Maryland. It is an essential source of funding to give Maryland residents and visitors access to the vast boating opportunities on the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, and on our coastal bays,” he said. “These investments are made possible by the contributions of boaters themselves and through close coordination between county and municipal governments, the State, and our federal partners.”
Fund dollars can cover the full cost of a project or be used as matching funds to draw down federal dollars. Applications are evaluated based on local government and state priorities, with projects selected according to their benefit to the general boating public. Requests for Fiscal Year 2027 funding totaled more than $45 million, far exceeding available resources.
Starting July 15, 2026, the Department of Natural Resources will begin accepting applications for the following fiscal year through an online form.
Projects funded through the Waterway Improvement Fund 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 plus $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: Public Landing dredging (Snow Hill), $325,000.
Statewide: Shore erosion control projects related to boating, $50,000; Clean Vessel Act Pumpout Grant Program, $175,000 (matching funds); Maryland Natural Resources Police safety and rescue vessel, $180,000; Statewide emergency and maintenance dredging, $964,500.
