ANNAPOLIS  — The Maryland Board of Public Works on Wednesday approved $100,000 for the City of Crisfield for a new and improved City Dock.

It was Sen. Mary Beth Carozza who requested in 2021 funds for planning, design and capital improvements to create an outdoor multipurpose venue along the waterfrontand secured  through the Maryland General Assembly’s capital bonds process.

“The Crisfield dock location is the premier waterfront location for drawing visitors and locals alike, and the perfect, picturesque site for special events, entertainment and community gatherings,” said Sen. Carozza, who represents Crisfield and all of Somerset County in District 38.

“This approval gives momentum for more tourism and economic development not only in Crisfield but across the county and region, and I am grateful to the Board of Public Works for approving this local priority.” 

Crisfield is a tourist center with premier events like the J. Millard Tawes Crab & Clam Bake, which held its 46^th event in September. This waterfront project is intended to provide a design for a new space to host special events and provide vendor booth space.

“This is great news for the City of Crisfield.  Our City Dock is the focal point for our community, a gateway to Smith and Tangier islands, and a key piece of economic revitalization,” said Crisfield Mayor Darlene Taylor.  “With this bond bill, we can begin the major planning and design of a new and improved City Dock.  We can engineer our plans to repair our storm ravaged dock with our plans to redesign this important community asset and transform it into an amazing venue for our tourists, watermen, and citizens to fully utilize and enjoy.

"We are grateful to Senator Carozza for sponsoring this bill on our behalf.”

“We continue to develop and foster an economic model that seeks to enhance both the commercial potential of the space and enhance the experience for our visitors,” said Clint Sterling, Somerset County’s Director of Recreation, Parks and Tourism. “The Dock is the heart of the City and our connection to the Chesapeake Bay. We are looking forward to even greater activity there, whether it’s a space for people to congregate, hold events, or a potential site for a Fast Ferry to bring visitors to the area. This funding approval is fantastic news and many thanks to all involved in securing these monies.”