Wicomico County Reaches Major Milestone in Dredge Management Program
The Port of Salisbury will be ready for scheduled maintenance dredging, helping protect a key economic asset and support the region’s maritime economy, following the completion of Phase Two of Wicomico County’s dredge material recovery and relocation program. The project moved another 110,000 cubic yards of dredge material from the Sharp’s Point Dredge Management Facility to nearby county-owned property. Combined with Phase One, the effort has created more than 370,000 cubic yards of capacity for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers while also positioning the material for future reuse projects. County officials say the work was completed on time and within budget.
Additional Information from the Office of the Wicomico County Executive:
Wicomico County is celebrating another significant achievement in its long-term dredge management strategy as the Department of Public Works (DPW) has successfully completed Phase II of the County’s dredge material recovery and relocation program—delivering the project on time and on budget.
The milestone represents another major step in ensuring the continued maintenance and economic viability of the Port of Salisbury while advancing Wicomico County’s long-term vision for responsible dredge management and future beneficial reuse opportunities.
Following the successful completion of Phase I in November 2025, which included the recovery and relocation of more than 100,000 cubic yards of stored dredge material from the Sharp’s Point Dredge Management Facility, DPW continued building momentum. After prescribed burns and enhanced aerial survey work conducted in the spring of 2026 provided a clearer path for future maintenance dredging operations, the department launched Phase II under an accelerated schedule.
This week, DPW completed the recovery and relocation of an additional 110,000 cubic yards of dredge material to County-owned property immediately adjacent to the Roads Division and Solid Waste campus. The effort was made possible through close coordination with the County’s contractor, neighboring municipalities, and state and federal regulatory 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.”
“The completion of Phase II marks a significant achievement for Wicomico County’s long-term dredge management strategy,” said Adam Corry, Deputy Director of Public Works. “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.”
The completion of Phase II secures the County’s primary objective of creating more than 370,000 cubic yards of available capacity at the Sharp’s Point Dredge Management Facility, ensuring the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has the space necessary to conduct scheduled maintenance dredging operations this season. The project also strategically positions dredge material closer to future beneficial reuse projects, reducing transportation costs and improving logistical efficiency.
The County’s enhanced focus on dredge management over the past two years has established a sustainable framework for maintaining navigation channels while creating opportunities for future environmental and infrastructure projects. Through strategic planning, innovative partnerships, and disciplined project management, Wicomico County continues to make measurable progress toward protecting the region’s maritime infrastructure and supporting future economic growth.