Virginia Coastal Program: 1999 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY1999 Task 55
Grantee:
Northumberland County
Project Title:
Glebe Point (renamed Great Wicomico) Public Access Fishing Pier
Project Description as Proposed:
This project proposes to construct a 8' x 60' public fishing pier on Glebe Point, which shall be free and open to all who possess a Virginia fishing license. The facility will include a parking area for approximately ten cars (including one handicapped van space). The property is currently owned by VDOT, and the county is seeking transfer of title. The facility will be ADA compliant.
Federal Funding:
$12,000
Project Contact:
Luttrel Tadlock, 804.580.8910, ltadlock@co.northumberland.va.us; Stuart McKenzie, 804.333.1900
Project Status:
Grant Closed
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
The Great Wicomico Public Fishing Pier had it beginnings in 1996, resulting from the Comprehensive Plan Revision for Northumberland County. It was recognized that Northumberland County has a wealth of boat ramps (14), but few access points for those citizens who do not own watercraft. One of the recommendations of the Plan was to increase public access to State waters in the County.
The Northern Neck Planning District Commission assisted the Northumberland County Planning Commission by examining three sites in the County (using modified VMRC marina siting guidelines) to determine suitability for a public crabbing/fishing pier. From the study (funded, in part by DEQ's Coastal PDC Technical Assistance Grant Program), it was discovered that the Great Wicomico River Bridge site had the deepest water, surrounding uncontaminated shellfish producing areas, and adequate land for parking and restroom facilities.
The Grand Opening of the Great Wicomico Public Fishing Pier was held on Thursday, September 30th, 2001. Representatives from State, Regional, and Local Governments were on hand to commemorate the pier, along with a substantial number of citizens. In all, approximately 90 persons attended the Grand Opening of the pier. The first fish, a 1.5-pound croaker, was landed fifteen minutes after opening the pier to the public.
Northumberland County's Great Wicomico Public Fishing Pier is 72 foot long x 8 foot wide, with a water depth of 17 feet at the end of the pier. There is handicapped accessible ramp to the public fishing pier, as well as a handicap accessible portable bathroom, and two handicap accessible parking spaces provided on the paved parking lot. In addition, there are 11 conventional parking spaces in the parking lot, and two picnic tables adjacent to the pier for those needing a rest from fishing. The only requirement to fish the pier is a valid Virginia Saltwater Fishing License.The Great Wicomico Public Fishing Pier is located between Wicomico Church and Burgess in Northumberland County, on the south shore of the Great Wicomico River, adjacent to the State Route 200 Bridge that crosses the Great Wicomico River.
In addition to NOAA/DEQ/Coastal Program Funds, The Virginia Saltwater Recreational Fishing Fund, administered by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, provided match money for the project.
This project is an example how every level of government (local, regional, state and federal) can cooperate together to enhance the quality of life in Virginia's Coastal Region. In addition, and more importantly to the citizens of Northumberland County, no local tax dollars were spent (other than administration costs of County staff working on the project). The pier is expected to draw crabbers and fishermen from neighboring counties, making it a regional, public water access project.
Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Laura McKay, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4323 or email: Laura.McKay@deq.virginia.gov
A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov
