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Equitable Public Water Access Plan
For the purpose of adopting the City of Annapolis Equitable Public Water Access Plan.
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City Council of the
City of Annapolis
Resolution 40-25
Introduced by: Mayor Buckley
Co-sponsored by:
A RESOLUTION concerning:
Equitable Public Water Access Plan
FOR the purpose of adopting the City of Annapolis Equitable Public Water Access Plan.
WHEREAS, The City of Annapolis is inextricably linked to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, which provide a multitude of social, cultural, environmental, and economic benefits to the City; and
WHEREAS, Annapolis’ public waterfront represents only a small fraction of the total waterfront of the city; and
WHEREAS, The benefits of water access are not equitably distributed to Annapolis residents: and
WHEREAS, The City’s comprehensive plan, Annapolis Ahead 2040, which was adopted in July 2024, includes the goals “prioritize equitable public water access” and "expand park facilities and the connections to them, to create equitable access for all”; and
WHEREAS, The City Council, through Resolution R-46-20, established a Maritime Task Force charged with conducting a comprehensive review of the waterfront maritime zoning districts in the City of Annapolis and making recommendations to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, The Maritime Task Force recommended a "Citywide Public Water Access Study” as a short-term action in the Maritime Task Force Strategy Report issued in July 2021; and
WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Superintendent for the National Park Service served on the Maritime Task Force and provided funding for the “Citywide Public Water Access Study” as recommended by the Maritime Task Force; and
WHEREAS, The planning process for the Equitable Public Water Access Plan commenced in 2023 to address the recommendation of the Maritime Task Force; and
WHEREAS, The planning process included a thorough review and assessment of all existing public water access locations in the city, the participation of many residents, community partners, and other stakeholders through multiple public meetings, focus groups, and a community survey; and
WHEREAS, The Equitable Public Water Access Plan includes 123 recommendations for physical improvements to existing public water access locations for expanded public water access, and new or improved policies, programs, and procedures; and
WHEREAS, The FY'26 Capital Budget includes 26 projects from the Equitable Public Water Access Plan, which will improve or expand public water access in the short term;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that the City of Annapolis adopts the Equitable Public Water Access Plan, and commits itself to pursue the Plan’s goals and recommended actions.
AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that this resolution shall take effect upon passage.