Baltimore County Considers Dredging Hart-Miller Island After Key Bridge Collapse

SPARROWS POINT, MD — In the latest effort to support regional port infrastructure following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Baltimore County on Tuesday announced a call for applications to serve on a new steering committee tasked with leading a broad public engagement process on the development of a potential new community benefits agreement to support Hart-Miller Island.

The Maryland General Assembly passed a bill earlier this year that would require the Maryland Department of the Environment to consider placing dredged material in the Hart-Miller Island Dredged Material Containment Facility. The move is contingent on Baltimore County government approving a community benefits agreement.

A community steering committee is being established to facilitate public meetings and discussions regarding the potential benefits of the project.

The reopening of Hart Miller Island is part of a larger effort to revitalize the area around Tradepoint Atlantic. The previous legislature passed a bill authorizing the creation of a container terminal at Sparrows Point. The new terminal will increase Tradepoint Atlantic’s container storage capacity.

“When extraordinary opportunities arise, extraordinary measures are often necessary. This legislation opens the possibility of substantial community benefit, including transforming Hart-Miller Island into a national model and destination,” said Baltimore County Councilman Todd Crandell. “The legislation ensures that the community is part of the process. Continued collaboration between the County Executive and my office, Tradepoint, our state partners and the community will be critical as we move forward.”

“We appreciate that state, local and community leaders came together to discuss the potential use of existing Hart-Miller Island capacity to meet the significant dredging needs of the new Sparrows Point Container Terminal,” said Aaron Tomarchio, executive vice president of corporate affairs at Tradepoint Atlantic. “Acting now to signal a commitment to advance this economically and strategically important port project will help ensure the rapid recovery, long-term growth and resiliency of the port. This is exactly the message we need to send to the global shipping community. Baltimore is rebuilding, bigger, better and stronger.”

“We applaud County Executive Olszewski and Councilman Crandell for their support in launching a long-overdue dialogue on how we can address historical inequities and further support Hart Miller Island and our surrounding communities,” said Paul Brylske, Chair of the Hart-Miller Pleasure Island Citizen Oversight Committee. “Going forward, we remain committed to fostering a collaborative and ongoing dialogue focused on maximizing benefits for our community, addressing residents’ safety concerns, and ensuring long-term support for our neighborhoods.”

The Maryland Department of the Environment will make the final decision on whether to allow the material to be placed at the Hart-Miller Island facility. If no action is taken by the end of the year, efforts to seek approval will be abandoned.

The steering committee will be composed of 9 members of the community.

To be eligible, individuals must be residents of Baltimore County.

Individuals interested in serving on the Hart Miller Island Community Benefits Agreement Steering Committee can apply here.

The first meeting of the Hart Miller Island Community Benefits Agreement Steering Committee will be held in August 2024 and exact details will be announced in the coming weeks.

This article was written with the help of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via Pixabay

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