⚓ Encouraging News from the EDC Meeting
Thank you for your patience — it’s been a week since the Nov. 18 Northumberland County Economic Development Commission (EDC) meeting. Thank you also to the 14 community members who attended. Your input and support made a strong impact. ⚓
The EDC expressed support for the jetty restoration effort, but needs more detail on the economic impact of the jetty shoaling. To help the EDC prepare their support letter, we’re gathering economic information about how shoaling at the Little Wicomico River Jetty is affecting local businesses and water access for all stakeholders.
Please send a short paragraph to dredgelwjettyva@gmail.com so we can share it with the Economic Development Commission.
💵 What does “economic impact” look like?
Here are some examples:
📌 Economic Impact Checklist
- For Watermen & Commercial Seafood Operators
Trips you could not make due to depth or unsafe conditions
Delayed departures/returns because you must work around tides
Reduced landings (oysters, crabs, finfish) or lower daily harvest
Additional fuel or travel time required
Gear or vessel damage caused by shoaling
Any days you were unable to access the Bay
- For Charter Captains & Guides
Trips canceled or rescheduled
Customers turned away because of unsafe or unreliable access
Delays or rerouting that add cost or reduce trip quality
Concerns expressed by customers about the shoaling
Any grounding incidents or near misses
- For Marinas & Marine Services
Slip cancellations or reduced seasonal interest
Fewer visiting boats or transient traffic
Decreases in fuel dock, bait, ice, repair, or store sales
Grounding damage reports from customers
Guests avoiding the river because of unsafe access
- For Short-Term Rental & Lodging Owners
Guests canceling or choosing not to return due to navigation issues
Guests who planned to fish or boat but were unable to access the Bay
Loss of bookings tied to water-access uncertainty
- For Residents & Recreational Boaters
Times you were unable to exit or return due to tides
Grounding events or damage to props, lower units, or hulls
Safety concerns for family or visitors when navigating the entrance
Changing launch habits (avoiding the river, relocating boats, etc.)
- For Smith Point Sea Rescue & Safety-Related Impacts
Delays in responding to calls due to shoaling
Difficulty re-entering the river during rough conditions
Increased risk to crews and vessels
If you are willing to share any figures — lost trips, lost revenue, reduced harvest, added costs, or delays — even estimates are extremely helpful. Photos and short written statements are welcome as well.
Please send information to dredgelwjettyva@gmail.com.
Thank you for all you’re doing to help document the importance of restoring safe access at the Little Wicomico River Jetty.