OCEAN CITY, MD – The Maryland Board of Public Works (BPW) approved a tidal wetlands license for US Wind to construct a pier on the Sinepuxent Bay in Ocean City during its meeting on Wednesday, November 20th.
The approved project includes reconstructing a 353-foot concrete pier and 383 feet of steel bulkhead for US Wind’s proposed Operation and Maintenance Facility in West Ocean City Harbor. The Maryland Department of Environment and Wetlands Administrator had previously recommended the application’s approval.
Mayor Rick Meehan and State Senator Mary Beth Carozza led local opposition, arguing the project would negatively impact Ocean City’s seafood, real estate, and tourism industries. Numerous Worcester County residents and stakeholders echoed these concerns during the meeting.
Despite the opposition, the BPW board—consisting of Governor Wes Moore, Treasurer Dereck E. Davis, and Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman—voted to approve the pier permit. Comptroller Lierman emphasized that the board’s evaluation was limited to the pier’s construction, not its proposed future use by US Wind.
Governor Moore acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating, “This is challenging. While we understand the parameters of today’s decision, we also understand there’s lots more work.” He assured opponents that their voices were “heard loud and clear.”
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