Annapolis Lands $1.5M Federal Grant for City Dock

Annapolis recently was awarded a $1.5 million federal grant that will go toward completing a rebuilding project for the downtown City Dock area.

Mayor Josh Cohen said revitalizing City Dock has been among his top priorities.

"City Dock as you know has been the top planning focus ever since I've been mayor," Cohen said. "It's in many ways Annapolis' crown jewel."

The city is planning for an estimated $12.6 million overhaul to City Dock, the first phase of which began in 2008 at Susan Campbell Park. The second phase would begin in front of the Harbormaster's Office, finishing at the Fleet Reserve Club, according to The Capital-Gazette.

The scope of the project would address stormwater flooding issues and overall would improve the facilities for boats.

The $1.5 million federal grant will go toward upgrading slips at the docks. An additional $11 million must come from the city, Cohen said. The federal funding comes from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Boating Infrastructure Grant program.

The project to renovate City Dock is just one side of talks of rejuvenating the area. The city created the 25-member committee in 2010 with the goal of re-envisioning the downtown City Dock area. The group issued its recommendation for renovation in 2012, but the city has yet to adopt a plan.

However, with Monday's announcement that the to accomodate a new City Dock design, Cohen said the legislative gears will have to begin turning more quickly.