Jan 9, 2007 6:58 pm US/Eastern
Old Bridge Could Create Reefs In The Chesapeake
by Alex DeMetrick
(WJZ)
It's the biggest giveaway in decades, if you're in the market for rubble. It just so happens Maryland is and, as
WJZ's Alex DeMetrick reports, it's the Chesapeake that could build on it.
When the old Woodrow Wilson Bridge came down, Maryland came up with an idea.
"We're going to use the rubble to create oyster reefs, to create fish reefs in the Chesapeake Bay," said DNR Secretary Ron Franks.
Parts of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge have already been placed in the bay, but there is enough debris to build at least another eight artificial reefs. There are between 30 and 40 bargeloads there for the taking, but there is a money issue. DNR is looking for donors to come up with $1 million dollars. Maryland's Artificial Reef Initiative kicked off Tuesday.
To bring life back, you have to get it up off the bay's silty bottom. Established artificial reefs show the difference, creating a solid surface for oysters and mussels to lock onto, creating habitat for other life.
An old bridge could make a difference, spanning what's been lost to what might be gained.
If enough funds are raised, reef construction could expand from the Chesapeake to coastal bays and even the Atlantic.
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