Officials open boat ramp in Ocean City

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton and Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan officially opened the public 64th Street Boat Ramp on Tuesday.

The free, two ramp, which is on the base of the water tower, is available 365 days a year, all day, with access to and from Assawoman Bay.

Governor Hogan said, "The boating industry is incredibly important to our state; it supports thousands of jobs and contributes $2 billion to our state economy. We are committed to doing everything we can to expand opportunities for Marylanders and visitors to appreciate all that the coastal bays, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean have to offer, and I know that this new 64th Street ramp will provide even more Marylanders with the chance to make memories here in Ocean City, and out on the water."

The joint state and local project was finished before the start of this year's boating season through a partnership between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Town of Ocean City. The Department's Waterway Improvement Fund reportedly gave 50 percent grant funding for construction of the parking area, and a 100 percent grant for dredging.

$200,000 will help prolong the channel from 64th Street into Assawoman Bay. Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said, "The Town of Ocean City was a great partner in this project that seeks to serve residents and tourists alike. The Waterway Improvement Fund is a vital state resource that ensures that the public will continue to benefit from Maryland's world-class recreational boating facilities for years to come. It is wonderful to see a project through to its completion."

Officials say that the Waterway Improvement Fund was created to put money towards projects and activities that develop, maintain or promote Maryland's infrastructure and waterways. It is primarily derived from a five percent vessel excise tax on boat purchases and titling.

Since its establishment in 1966, the fund has given more than $300 million toward over 4500 projects at more than 400 boating facilities across the state. Maryland was reportedly the first state on the East Coast to create a dedicated fund to develop and improve boating and navigation improvements.

Between Fiscal Year 08-18, the Town of Ocean City has been provided with $1,165,000 through the Waterway Improvement Fund. The new boat ramp at 64th street wants to replace the town's only other existing public access boat ramp in Little Salisbury.

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan says, "This project is a great example of partnership between the Town of Ocean City and the State of Maryland, specifically the Department of Natural Resources. With funding from both local and state entities, we were able to provide a first-class amenity to our residents and visitors that allows them to enjoy the natural beauty of Maryland's coastal bays."

Officials say that Maryland has a rich maritime culture and history, both on fresh and saltwater, and a strong population of commercial and recreational boaters, who love to cruise, fish or swim in their network of waterways. Officials say that over 200,000 boats are registered in the state.