• We Need Supporters in the Room for the VMRC Hearing for Funding the Dredging of the Little Wicomico River Jetty
• ALSO--IMPORTANT for all petition signers-let VMRC hear your voice!
  Please submit your written support on the VMRC portal https://webapps.mrc.virginia.gov/public/habitat/comments/ no later than NOON on Thursday, February 19 (details below).

Dear DTLW Advocates,

We have reached a critical moment.

On February 24, 2026, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) will discuss our request for emergency dredging funding for the Little Wicomico River Jetty.

• Now we need supporters in the room and comments into the VMRC Public Hearing site.

The more people who show up, the better the chance VMRC votes YES.
Please wear YELLOW if you can so the commissioners can clearly see the community support.

 
⚓ Why This Hearing Matters

The entrance to the Little Wicomico River — our only navigable connection to the Chesapeake Bay — has shoaled to dangerous levels. This federally authorized navigation channel has not been dredged in over 12 years. 

An emergency request has been submitted by Northumberland County and the Northern Neck Planning District Commission. VMRC will consider that request on February 24.

 
🚨 Call to Action — Please Help Today

👉 Show up on Tuesday, February 24- Wear YELLOW if you can.

🕘 Hearing begins at 9:30 AM (arrive by 9:00 AM to get a seat)
📍 VMRC Main Office
380 Fenwick Road
Fort Monroe, VA 23651
📞 757-247-2200
(Building opens at 8:00 AM)

 
👉 Very Important-Pls Submit Written Comments by NOON Thursday, February 19

Use VMRC Habitat Public Comments for Application #20252813  https://webapps.mrc.virginia.gov/public/habitat/comments/
These comments go directly to the Commissioners.

Copy/paste sample statement:

I urge the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to immediately approve the permit and support emergency dredging of the Little Wicomico River Jetty, because shoaling has rendered this federally authorized channel unsafe and delaying action will permanently endanger public safety and cause irreversible economic and cultural damage to Virginia’s working waterfront and Chesapeake Bay access.

 
👉 Share This Message

Please forward this to at least three neighbors, boaters, business owners, or property owners.  Carpool to VMRC and join the excitement.

Every person in the room matters.
Every written comment matters.
Every share matters.

When decision-makers see a strong, unified turnout, it sends a clear message:
this project is a public safety and economic priority for Virginia’s Northern Neck and the Chesapeake Bay community.

This project is ready.
The need is urgent.

Let’s show VMRC how much this community cares — and help secure a YES vote for the Little Wicomico River Jetty.

As the old adage goes: the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Please act today.