by Jackie Nunnery
HEATHSVILLE—After receiving a $400,000 grant from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission’s Abandoned or Derelict Vessel program, the county has been able to remove three abandoned boats, improving both navigation and the environment.
According to assistant county administrator Drew Basye, a 20-foot sailboat on the Great Wicomico River was removed in January at a cost of $13,000; a 57-foot Chris Craft on Lodge Creek was removed in February at a cost of $67,500 and an 82-foot former Navy vessel on Bridge Creek was removed at a cost of $255,000 with work completing this month.
Basye said the grant must be closed out at the end of the month, so the remaining $64,500 will be returned.
