We have an important and encouraging update:

Proposed budget amendments to fund dredging of the Little Wicomico River Jetty have now been filed in both the House and the Senate of the Virginia General Assembly.

This does not mean the funding is approved yet — but it does mean this long-needed project is now formally in the state budget process and will be considered by lawmakers in the coming weeks.  

 
🏛️ What’s been proposed

House of Delegates

HB30 – Item 376 #3h (MRC) — Little Wicomico River Dredging
Chief Patron: Delegate Hillary Pugh Kent

This is a member-request budget amendment that proposes $2.6 million in FY2027 for dredging the Little Wicomico River.

Link:  https://budget.lis.virginia.gov/amendment/2026/1/HB30/Introduced/MR/376/3h/ 

 
Senate

SB30 – Item 376 #2s (MRC) — Dredge the Little Wicomico River
Chief Patron: Senator Richard H. Stuart
Co-Patron: Senator Ryan T. McDougle

This is a member-request budget amendment that proposes $2.6 million in General Funds for emergency dredging of the Little Wicomico River.

Link: https://budget.lis.virginia.gov/amendment/2026/1/SB30/Introduced/MR/376/2s/ 

 
🚨 Why this matters

The Little Wicomico River Jetty is a federally authorized navigation channel and has not been dredged since 2014. It is now dangerously shoaled, affecting:

Smith Point Sea Rescue and emergency response
Watermen and oyster growers
Marinas and local businesses
Recreational and commercial boaters
This is a public safety issue and a vital economic lifeline for the Northern Neck and the Chesapeake Bay region.

 
🙌 Thank you to our legislative champions

We want to sincerely thank:

Delegate Hillary Pugh Kent for leading the House effort to include this funding
Senator Richard H. Stuart for leading the Senate effort for emergency dredging funding
Senator Ryan T. McDougle, who represents the Middle Peninsula and Gloucester, for co-patroning the Senate amendment and lending his support to this important regional project
Their leadership ensures that the importance of safe navigation, access to the Chesapeake Bay, and a strong working waterfront for Virginia is being heard in Richmond.

My dad always said to write a thank-you note when someone steps up to help — because appreciation encourages more good things to happen.  Please take a moment to say thank you to each of these elected officials for getting this issue in front of the General Assembly.

📧 Delegate Hillary Pugh Kent (House of Delegates – 67th District):
DelHKent@house.virginia.gov

📧 Senator Richard H. Stuart (Senate – District 25):
senatorstuart@senate.virginia.gov

📧 Senator Ryan T. McDougle (Senate – District 4; Middle Peninsula & Gloucester):
senatormcdougle@senate.virginia.gov

Dear _______

Thank you for your leadership in submitting and supporting the proposed budget amendment to fund dredging of the Little Wicomico River.

This channel is a critical public safety and economic asset for our region, and your support means a great deal to the watermen, first responders, local businesses, and residents who depend on safe access.

I appreciate your work on behalf of our community and Virginia’s working waterfronts.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your town or county]

Good things are happening. This is progress, not the finish line.   Continued support will be critical.  Let’s keep the momentum going and keep our voices heard!

Dredge the Little Wicomico Jetty, VA!