LEONARDTOWN, Md. – In today’s commissioner meeting, significant strides were made toward enhancing accessibility and emergency preparedness for St. Clement’s Island. The Commission of St. Mary’s County and St. Clement’s Island are collaborating to acquire, design, and construct a handicapped-accessible vessel, with the project emphasizing teamwork and partnership between local and state agencies.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the accessible vessel project, which includes a capital project grants agreement and a sub-recipient agreement with a $700,000 budget from a legislative bond bill. The vessel, designed by Cerny Yacht Design from Annapolis, will be fabricated using Maryland-based businesses. Design considerations include a multi-purpose catamaran-style hull, wheelchair accessibility, and emergency evacuation capabilities. The boat will be able to transport roughly 40 to 50 people and will be certified for emergency services in the Potomac River.
Plans also include a handicap ramp at Cole’s Port Marina and coordination with state agencies for pier renovation and accessibility improvements on St. Clement’s Island. The new Department of Natural Resources (DNR) secretary has been briefed on the project, ensuring continued support and cooperation.
The project budget includes $100,000 for new renovations to customize the boat, along with a five-year maintenance funding plan to alleviate the county budget. Long-term maintenance plans feature a boat lift to prevent issues such as barnacle buildup. This strategic planning aims to avoid surprises and ensure a smooth, turnkey operation.
The vessel will play a crucial role in emergency services, providing a reliable means to transport people and equipment to and from St. Clement’s Island. The project is a continuation of a long-standing partnership aimed at improving accessibility and emergency readiness for the island. The community’s involvement is highlighted by the participation of local entities, including the museum, EMS, and the fire department.
The commissioners unanimously approved the motions to sign the capital projects grant agreement and the sub-recipient agreement with St. Clement’s Island for the accessible water taxi, authorizing the commissioner president to sign all related documents.
This project represents a significant investment in the community’s safety and accessibility, ensuring that St. Clement’s Island remains accessible and prepared for emergencies. The partnership between local and state agencies highlights the collaborative spirit driving this initiative forward.
In addition to the approval of the new vessel, the commissioners reviewed the draft agendas for August 20 and 27. Notably, there will be no meetings on August 6 or 13. The August 20 meeting will include proclamations for Child Support Awareness Month, Forget Me Not Month, National Aviation Day, and National Black Business Month. On August 27, a proclamation for Women’s Equality Day will be followed by County Administrator time, Commissioner time, and a closed session.
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