Letter From Mayor: Update on Capital Improvement Projects

Dear Friends: 

Last evening my administration updated the City Council and the public on the status of current capital improvement projects and our plans for the next two years.

We have been focused on not allowing the repairs the storm made necessary sidetrack our continued emphasis on improving the infrastructure of the city. In partnership with the City Council, we’ve developed the most aggressive capital improvement plan in the city’s history. Due to the restructuring of our debt and favorable market conditions, we’ve done this without burdening the taxpayers in the future.

As we speak, a contractor is completing the replacement of eight bulkheads at various locations.  This is more bulkhead work than was undertaken in the previous four years combined.  In total the City has contracted for a total of $1.7 million in paving and drainage improvements.  Some of this work is recently completed and the rest will be completed in the fall. 

More significantly, our capital plan includes an additional $9.1 million in paving and drainage improvements between the fall of 2013 and the spring of 2015. Cape May County also plans significant improvements to local roads under their jurisdiction during this time period.  These much needed infrastructure improvements will greatly improve Ocean City for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. 

The contract for lagoon dredging that was not completed last year will be finished this summer.  A new disposal site under the Route 52 Causeway will be prepared to accept additional dredged material.  We continue to work with our partners at the state and federal levels for a long term sustainable and practical solution for bay and lagoon dredging.

I appreciate the cooperation of the City Council and their input and support of this aggressive capital improvement plan.  To review a complete copy of the report provided to City Council please click this link: Capital Plan Update

Have a great weekend.

Warm Regards,

Jay A. Gillian
Mayor