Work is now underway on the shoreline improvements that mark the final phase of the St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) waterfront construction project. “This project includes the construction of a new boat ramp, a new pier with a wave screen for erosion protection, a pier for launching rowing shells, additional beach sand and rip rap stones, and creation of tidal wetlands,” said Dan Branigan, director of design and construction at the college.  
 
“The erosion that the college shoreline has suffered is a direct result of wave action,” said Branigan. “The northwest wind comes across the St. Mary’s River and creates large waves which scour the shoreline. This project will install a pier with a wave screen and a boat ramp which will shelter the shoreline from the waves. Our existing pier has a wave screen and the shoreline that is protected by this pier has not eroded.”
 
The project was presented to the public at the November 13, 2008, meeting of the Capital Design Advisory committee. The college has recently completed obtaining all the necessary permits to allow work to proceed. In addition to a public notice that appeared in local papers on May 6, 2009, the college has provided notices on its main Web page and installed signs at the site to describe the scope of the project.  
 
Completion of construction is anticipated for October 2009. Until then, there will be restrictions on parking in the boat yard and access to the construction area. Visitors to the waterfront are asked to follow the directions of the River Center staff regarding these restrictions throughout the project.
 
For more information on the shoreline improvements, contact Branigan at 240-895-4412 or by e-mail at dsbranigan@smcm.edu. Information is also provided on the college Web site at: http://www.smcm.edu/cda/shoreline.html.