County staff outline ShoreRivers subaward for shoreline, pump station and stormwater projects

County staff described a subaward agreement that covers three projects funded through a watershed fund administered by ShoreRivers. The fund pools several state funding streams — including DNR Atlantic and Coastal Base Trust Fund, MDE funding and Clean Water Commerce Act money — and makes competitive awards to watershed groups.

The staff presenter said ShoreRivers "holds the whole watershed fund grant that was awarded to the Upper Chop Tank Watershed" and that jurisdictions within the watershed can apply for implementation funding. For the Hannah Henry Way stormwater project, the presenter cited a design-phase budget of "$120,000" to cover design across residential properties, county road right-of-ways, ditches and tax-ditch outfalls and to include green infrastructure and erosion-control measures. The Camp Mardella award was described as construction funding for shoreline improvements; Greensboro Pump Station and stream/floodplain restoration were described as currently in design.

Commissioners asked which party receives awards (the presenter said awards go to individual applicants, in this case Caroline County) and what responsibilities the county will hold; the presenter said the county would follow its usual routine for RFPs for contractors and for design or construction oversight. The presenter also noted the watershed fund may provide support for septic upgrades in areas affected by standing water. Commissioners did not request the subaward be removed from the consent agenda and the consent agenda later carried.