Legislative Update: Sparrows Point Partnership

Baltimore County recently unveiled the report from the Sparrows Point Partnership, a collection of business leaders from throughout the region tasked with developing a plan to grow the peninsula – and jobs – in the years ahead.  The centerpiece of the group’s report appears to be the redevelopment of Coke Point by the Port of Baltimore.  This project should be familiar to residents of the 6th district, as it is something that we have been working to make happen for several years.  The plan would have the contamination of Coke Point remediated, after which the site would be used for dredge placement.  Eventually, the site would be transformed into a new marine terminal location site.  I continue to support this portion of the plan for a clean environment, job creation, and enhancements to the community. 

Clean up of a deeply contaminated site: Coke Point represents approximately one half of all contamination on Sparrows Point, with toxic chemicals such as benzene and naphthalene continuing to leech into the groundwater and Bay.  While there is a federal consent decree on the subject, progress at the site has been unacceptable.  Using Coke Point as a dredge location and as a future terminal site would require the immediate and thorough remediation of the property.

Family-sustaining jobs: I have been an ardent supporter of more creative ways to have the government partner with private businesses to create jobs, such as the Ports America project at Seagirt Marine Terminal, where thousands of new jobs were created through a private-public partnership that helped install a 50-foot berth.  The Coke Point project would ultimately serve as a “second Siegert” terminal, complete with another 50-foot berth, allowing the port to continue to break its own import and export records, and to expand so that it can meet expected demands.  In the process, thousands more high-paying, family-sustaining jobs would be created.

Community benefits: As a result of the dredge placement, the Port has pledged millions of dollars in community enhancement projects that will improve the quality of life for our citizens.  The size and scope of possible projects are wide, and represent impressive improvements to many parts of Southeast Baltimore County. 

Other parts of the Partnership’s recommendations are encouraging, as well.  Offshore wind staging and assembly, for example, could translate into 800 quality jobs in energy.  There are also ample opportunities for storage, shipping, and logistics.  In addition, I support efforts to create a greenway, complete with open space and parkland, to be used as a community amenity and buffer to any type of commercial or industrial work ultimately undertaken at the Point. 

I do have serious concerns about a proposal that seeks to import and burn trash on the site, and have continued to advocate for more community input into the planning process.  While there is great potential and opportunity in the years ahead on the Sparrows Point peninsula, I believe that it can only be fully realized with the support and guidance of the communities that surround it.  I look forward to working with you in the years ahead as we work toward realizing that potential.