SPARROWS POINT, MD—As part of the latest effort to support regional port infrastructure following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Baltimore County on Tuesday announced a call for applications to serve on a new steering committee to lead an extensive public engagement process regarding the development of a potential new community benefit agreement to support Hart-Miller Island.

Maryland General Assembly passed a bill earlier this year that will require the Maryland Department of the Environment to consider placing dredged material at the Hart-Miller Island Dredged Material Containment Facility. The move is contingent on the Baltimore County government approving a Community Benefit Agreement.

A community steering committee is being put together to help facilitate public meetings and discussions regarding the potential benefits of the project.

The push to reopen Hart-Miller Island is part of a larger effort to revitalize the area around Tradepoint Atlantic. The previous legislature passed a bill authorizing the creation of a Sparrows Point Container Terminal. The new terminal will allow for the expansion of Tradepoint Atlantic’s container capacity.

“When extraordinary opportunities are presented, often extraordinary measures are necessary. This legislation opens the possibility for a substantial community benefit, including transforming Hart-Miller Island into a national model and destination,” said Baltimore County Councilman Todd Crandell. “The legislation ensures the community is part of the process. Continued collaboration between the County Executive and my office, Tradepoint, our state partners, and the community will be essential as we move forward.”

“We appreciate state, local and community leaders coming together to allow a discussion to occur around the potential use of existing capacity at Hart-Miller Island to meet the significant dredge needs for the new Sparrows Point Container Terminal,” said Aaron Tomarchio, executive vice president of corporate affairs at Tradepoint Atlantic. “Acting now to signal a desire to advance this economically and strategically significant port project will help ensure the port’s rapid recovery, long-term growth, and resiliency. This is the exact message we need to send to the global shipping community. Baltimore is building back, bigger, better, and stronger.”

“We applaud County Executive Olszewski and Councilman Crandell for their support to begin a long-overdue conversation about how we can address historic inequities and further support Hart Miller Island and our surrounding communities,” said Paul Brylske, Chairman Hart-Miller Pleasure Island Citizen Oversight Committee. Moving forward, we remain committed to promoting a collaborative, ongoing dialogue focused on maximizing benefits to our community and addressing residents’ concerns on safety and ensuring long-term support for our neighborhoods.”

The Maryland Department of the Environment will make the final decision on whether to allow the material to be placed at the Hart-Miller Island facility. If no action is taken by the end of the year, the efforts to apply for approval will lapse.

The Steering Committee will consist of 9 community members.

To be eligible to serve, individuals must be a Baltimore County resident.

Individuals interested in serving on the Hart-Miller Island Community Benefit Agreement Steering Committee may apply here.

The first meeting of the Hart-Miller Island Community Benefit Agreement Steering Committee will be held in August 2024 with exact details to be announced in the coming weeks.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via Pixabay