County to cover marina portable toilets after DNR ends grant; extends boat-ramp engineering grant

Public Works Director Dave Edwards told the Dorchester County Council on May 28 that the Maryland Department of Natural Resources had discontinued the sanitary service grant that previously paid $1,320 per month for marine portable toilets. The Council agreed to continue portable-toilet services for the current season by using contingency funds to cover the remaining cost of $5,280.

Edwards also requested that the Council extend the countywide engineering grant agreement under the DNR Waterway Improvement Fund. The Council agreed to extend the grant performance period to June 30, 2026 to allow completion of engineering services on current boat ramp projects.

Why it matters: The decision preserves sanitation services at marine facilities for the current season and provides additional time to finish engineering work on boat ramp projects supported by the Waterway Improvement Fund.

What’s next: Contingency funds will cover the current-season portable-toilet costs and Public Works will proceed with extended grant tasks through the new performance period.