OC Today WWW.OCEANCITYTODAY.NET
JANUARY 12, 2018
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
LIFESTYLE
OCEAN CITY BLOOD DRIVE Blood Bank of Delmarva’s 20th annual event set to take place Wednesday, Jan. 17 – Page 37
FREE
Design phase to proceed for B’walk barriers Additional expense seen as saving on construction costs
PHOTO COURTESY KAT KOUTS
N’ICE DAY Days after 11 inches of snow were dumped on the resort, the bay near 94th Street remained frozen. See storm stories and pictures page 18.
Officials react to oil policy change Lifting prohibition against offshore drilling produces protests, some with caveats By Brian Gilliland Associate Editor (Jan. 12, 2018) Local and state officials responded negatively this week to the Trump Administration’s announcement that it would allow offshore oil and natural gas exploration in most coastal areas. The change of policy lifts the prohibition against coastal drilling in the Mid-Atlantic and other areas put into effect by the previous administration. The turnaround was declared by Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke last week, prompting immediate condemnations by environmental groups,
Gov. Larry Hogan and other government officials. “Responsibly developing our energy resources on the Outer Continental Shelf in a safe and well-regulated way is important to our economy and energy security,” Zinke said. “It provides billions of dollars to fund the conservation of our coastlines, public lands and parks. Today’s announcement lays out the options that are on the table and starts a lengthy and robust public comment period.” Zinke added that not all areas are appropriate for offshore drilling, and that the department would take that into consideration in the coming weeks.
Apparently, one of those inappropriate areas is Florida, which was removed from the plan after Republican Gov. Rick Scott strenuously protested. “I support the governor’s position that Florida is unique and its coasts are heavily reliant on tourism as an economic driver,” Zinke said in a stateSee LOCAL Page 3
By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (Jan. 12, 2018) Even though the design of vehicle access controls for the Boardwalk will cost almost twice the initial estimates, the City Council agreed on Tuesday to pay Hunt Valley-based engineering firm JMT more than $155,000 to begin a twophase project in time to ensure enhanced protection this summer. In mid-November, the council appropriated $80,000 from fund balance to solicit bids for the design aspect of ‘You spend the the public- money on design safety focused and you save the project, which money on calls for barriconstruction – cades at 36 access points if you have good along the 2.25consultants.’ mile Boardwalk. City Engineer City Engineer Terry McGean Terry McGean said the scope of the work is unique and his rough $80,000 “backof-napkin,” estimate, judging by the four bids received in mid-December, was off the mark. “While there was one near that budgeted amount, the vendor essentially was a cyber security contractor,” he said. “While cyber security is wonderful, that’s not really what we need for the Boardwalk.” After evaluating each proposal, with assistance from OCPD Lt. Elton Harmon, McGean said JMT was deemed most qualified. “They are currently doing a very similar project at the Inner Harbor, so we feel very confident in their qualifications,” he said. “You spend the money on design and you save the money on construction – if you have good consultants.” See DESIGN Page 4