Construction work begins on Barren Island

Barren Island Phase I construction is set to begin this week, and will last through October 2024.

Phase I construction will include installation of a majority of the stone sills and breakwaters.

The Mid-Chesapeake Bay Island Ecosystem Restoration Project – commonly known as Mid-Bay – is located in Dorchester County near what remains of the separate James and Barren Islands.

The project will use dredged material from the Chesapeake Bay’s Maryland navigation channels to restore remote island and wetland habitat near James and Barren Islands, which will provide improved health and sustainability to aquatic and wildlife species.

Additionally, the restoration project will benefit navigational safety and passive recreation, while providing additional shoreline protection.

The project is being completed under a federal/state partnership between the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District and Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA).

Barren Island is located in the Chesapeake Bay and is adjacent to Upper Hoopers Island.

The ecosystem restoration effort will include the addition of a minimum of 72 acres of wetland habitat as well as installation of sills and breakwaters to protect the island remnan