Dear DTLW Advocate,

We’ve reached an important next step. With $2.6 million already committed by the State of Virginia for emergency dredging, now is the moment to ensure those funds lead to lasting, long-term results. The jetties are no longer functioning as designed—they are too low to prevent overtopping, and portions show structural deterioration.  Dredging restores access—but fixing the jetty is what will keep the channel open.

The Northern Neck Planning District Commission (NNPDC) and Northumberland County have submitted requests to Senator Kaine and Senator Warner for $500,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) FY27 federal funding for the next phase of the project: Little Wicomico River Jetty Navigation Infrastructure Assessment and Rehabilitation Planning.  We must keep the project moving by advancing the jetty assessment in 2027.  The study and recommendations are crucial to position the project for FY28 federal funding to rehabilitate the jetty structure.

FY27 CDS requests are under active review right now and your outreach can make a difference.

To secure funding through the U.S. Senate’s Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) process, elected officials must demonstrate strong public support. 

That’s where we come in.

Every email, call, and message you send helps show that this project matters—not just to a few individuals, but to a broad community of Virginians who rely on safe access to Chesapeake Bay. Your outreach gives our Senators the support they need to prioritize and advocate for this funding request.

👉Please contact Senators Kaine and Warner by email and/or phone. Select “appropriations” (if available) or “budget” as the topic, and ask them to prioritize and support FY27 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for this project.

A short message is provided below for your convenience—feel free to copy and paste it into the contact form and add a brief personal note.

Senator Tim Kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion  and/or call Senator Kaine’s Richmond Office:  Phone: (804) 771-2221
Senator Mark Warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=ContactPage and/or call Senator Warner’s Richmond Office: Phone:  804-775-2314 
 
👉 Example Message

Subject: Please Support FY27 CDS Funding – Little Wicomico River Jetty Assessment

Dear Senator,

I respectfully request your support for FY27 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for:  Little Wicomico River Jetty Navigation Infrastructure Assessment and Rehabilitation Planning ($500,000).

The Little Wicomico River is Virginia’s northernmost gateway to the Chesapeake Bay and a critical safe harbor. The federally authorized channel has shoaled to unsafe depths—less than three feet in places—resulting in vessel groundings, economic impacts, and delayed emergency response.

The Commonwealth of Virginia has committed $2.6 million for emergency dredging, but dredging alone will not address the root cause. The jetty must be assessed and repaired to restore proper function and ensure long-term channel stability.

This project:

Protects an existing federal navigation asset 
Safeguards a significant state investment 
Improves public safety, including response times for Smith Point Sea Rescue 
Supports Virginia’s working waterfront economy 

I respectfully ask for your support in advancing this request.

Thank you for your leadership and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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Every email and call helps demonstrate strong community support. Thank you for continuing to help move this project forward.  

Let's Dredge and Repair the Little Wicomico Jetty!