The Maryland Department of the Environment announced approval of $5.7 million in grant funding for the Annapolis City Dock flood mitigation project on October 29, 2026. The funding is part of a larger $33 million initiative aimed at protecting downtown Annapolis from tidal flooding and stormwater runoff, according to the agency.

Press Release: Maryland Department of the Environment

Reproduced in full from the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Maryland Department of the Environment Announces Over $5.7 Million in Funding for Annapolis City Dock Flood Mitigation Project

Board of Public Works approves grant protecting historic downtown Annapolis and its businesses as part of larger economic development

BALTIMORE (Oct. 29, 2026), The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) today announced approval of $5.7 million in grant funding for the Annapolis City Dock flood mitigation project, reinforcing Governor Wes Moore’s commitment to modernizing water infrastructure and protecting historic communities and businesses from the climate change impacts.

“Here in Maryland, we are dedicated to building communities where our local economies can thrive, our workers succeed, and all Marylanders can enjoy for generations to come,” said Gov. Moore. “By investing in flood protection for historic downtown Annapolis, we are not only preserving a waterfront central to our state’s identity, but also securing our economy from costly damage that threatens small businesses and local jobs, ensuring no one is left behind.”

The funding through the Comprehensive Flood Management Program, supports the City of Annapolis’ multi-year $33 million City Dock Resilience Project, a critical infrastructure initiative engineered to safeguard downtown Annapolis from two distinct challenges: “sunny day” tidal flooding exacerbated by rising sea levels and heavy stormwater runoff during extreme rainfall events.

“Protecting historic downtown Annapolis from the rising impacts of sunny day flooding and severe storms is an investment in Maryland’s bright economic future,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. “This grant directly supports high-impact flood defense and infrastructure upgrades to safeguard local businesses, preserve our historic assets, and deliver a resilient, world-class waterfront for generations to come.”

The City Dock Resilience Project includes the following enhancements:

  • Elevated Park and Flood Walls: Construction of an elevated waterfront park featuring perimeter flood walls and deployable barriers that supply additional flood protection along the shoreline.
  • High-Powered Stormwater Pumping System: Installation of new, high-capacity underground pumps capable of removing 10,000 gallons of stormwater per minute, a 100-fold increase over temporary pumping capacity, ensuring rapid drainage during flash-flood events.
  • Environmental Protections: Implementation of sediment and erosion controls, including drain filter liners to protect water quality in Ego Alley and Spa Creek during construction.

The approximately $93 million City Dock Resilience and Revitalization Project will transform Annapolis’s historic waterfront with critical flood protection infrastructure and a new public park. The project includes an elevated waterfront park, deployable flood barriers, improved stormwater drainage and pumping systems, a fountain, a performance stage, and flexible public spaces for community events. It also includes restoration of the historic Burtis House and construction of a new Maritime Welcome Center.

“The City Dock project will protect our downtown residents, businesses, and visitors from the damages of flooding,” said Annapolis Mayor Jared Littmann. “We greatly appreciate the State of Maryland for supporting the project with this funding. Next year, we’ll have a brand new park at the water’s edge, and a world-class flood prevention system to keep us safe through storms and high tides.”

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