Little Wicomico Update: Revised Project Now Includes South Jetty Repair
From the beginning, Dredge the Little Wicomico River Jetty, VA! has advocated for two things: dredging the channel and addressing the deteriorating jetty infrastructure. We have repeatedly raised concerns about the low and deteriorated South Jetty and its importance to the long-term stability of the entrance. The south jetty wall has suffered severe erosion toward the jetty's landward attachment point, and was overtopped by the Chesapeake Bay wave action during a storm event last fall (see photo).
As the project moved through governmental review, concerns about the South Jetty wall were also recognized by reviewing agencies. In response to those concerns, Northumberland County subsequently submitted revised plans that now include approximately 300 feet of South Jetty repair, raising the crest from approximately 2.5 feet to 4 feet above mean low water.
We are encouraged to see the South Jetty incorporated into the proposed project. The planned dredging remains unchanged at approximately 22,700 cubic yards to be utilized in the beneficial-use plan along the eroded shoreline south of the jetties.
Because of these revisions to the project design, the Corps will issue a 15-day supplemental public notice. If you already submitted a comment, you do not need to comment again. Your original comment remains part of the official record. The Corps has also confirmed that the required federal coordination associated with the revisions is already underway.
We are grateful for the continued work of Northumberland County, NNPDC, our state and federal agencies, elected representatives, and everyone working through the details necessary to advance this project.
And thank you to the 1,610+ supporters locally and across Virginia who continue to make their voices heard.
We share everyone's desire to see this work completed and are encouraged that the South Jetty is now part of the proposed project. Thank you for being part of this remarkable community effort.
Dredge the Little Wicomico. Repair the South Jetty. Restore safe access to the Chesapeake Bay!