County reports Peelicker Road wetland construction complete; plantings scheduled for fall

County staff told commissioners the Peelicker Road wetland construction is complete and that Maryland Department of the Environment has cleared erosion- and sediment-control conditions.

Staff said the project included bioswales, an improved drainage network and a constructed two-acre wetland with check dams; the planting phase was deferred until fall because of drought concerns. The work originally combined two funding streams in a single $500,000 grant (FY20 and FY24); staff explained the FY20 portion funded construction and expired June 30, and the FY24 portion will cover remaining plantings through 2028. Planting of wetland species is expected in the next couple of weeks for initial establishment, with upland and tree plantings in October–early November and establishment watering potentially through April.

Commissioners asked about sequencing and funding; staff confirmed construction is finished and plantings remain the final step. No additional action or budget appropriation was requested at the meeting.