Secure state funding to remove sunken boats in Maryland
Secure state funding to remove sunken boats in Maryland
The Issue
The once tranquil waters where I grew up in Maryland no longer hold the same appeal. Sunken boats litter the waterways, posing significant threats to our environment and to the safety of those who cherish these areas. Having spent countless hours enjoying the local waterways, it pains me to witness their deterioration due to these abandoned vessels.
Sunken boats have become not only an eyesore but also a hazard. They disrupt marine life habitats, release toxic materials that pollute the water, and create dangerous obstacles for recreational boating and fishing. Many of us who reside in Maryland or enjoy visiting its beautiful waterways are deeply concerned by this growing problem.
According to a report by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, there are over 200 reported derelict and abandoned vessels in our waters. This number is likely underreported, as many smaller boats go unnoticed. The Maryland Waterway Improvement Program, established in 1966, has the resources and capacity to address this issue, yet the funding specifically allocated for the removal of these sunken hazards remains insufficient.
We are calling on the Maryland government and relevant authorities to prioritize funding from the Waterway Improvement Program to systematically remove these sunken boats. By doing so, we can restore the natural beauty and safety of our waterways, protect local ecosystems, and ensure they remain a treasured resource for future generations.
We seek a commitment from the state to allocate funds towards a cleanup initiative. This would involve mapping and identifying all sunken boats in Maryland waters, working with local contractors for removal, and ensuring responsible disposal of the vessels. Such a project would not only beautify our waterways but also provide local jobs and stimulate environmental awareness in our communities.
By signing this petition, you can voice your support for a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant Maryland. Please join us in urging our state leaders to take action now. Your signature can help drive the change our waterways desperately need.
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The Issue
The once tranquil waters where I grew up in Maryland no longer hold the same appeal. Sunken boats litter the waterways, posing significant threats to our environment and to the safety of those who cherish these areas. Having spent countless hours enjoying the local waterways, it pains me to witness their deterioration due to these abandoned vessels.
Sunken boats have become not only an eyesore but also a hazard. They disrupt marine life habitats, release toxic materials that pollute the water, and create dangerous obstacles for recreational boating and fishing. Many of us who reside in Maryland or enjoy visiting its beautiful waterways are deeply concerned by this growing problem.
According to a report by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, there are over 200 reported derelict and abandoned vessels in our waters. This number is likely underreported, as many smaller boats go unnoticed. The Maryland Waterway Improvement Program, established in 1966, has the resources and capacity to address this issue, yet the funding specifically allocated for the removal of these sunken hazards remains insufficient.
We are calling on the Maryland government and relevant authorities to prioritize funding from the Waterway Improvement Program to systematically remove these sunken boats. By doing so, we can restore the natural beauty and safety of our waterways, protect local ecosystems, and ensure they remain a treasured resource for future generations.
We seek a commitment from the state to allocate funds towards a cleanup initiative. This would involve mapping and identifying all sunken boats in Maryland waters, working with local contractors for removal, and ensuring responsible disposal of the vessels. Such a project would not only beautify our waterways but also provide local jobs and stimulate environmental awareness in our communities.
By signing this petition, you can voice your support for a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant Maryland. Please join us in urging our state leaders to take action now. Your signature can help drive the change our waterways desperately need.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on August 29, 2026