Taxpayers always pay for things they don't use. Just ask anyone without kids if they enjoy paying school taxes or people who don't drive if they enjoy paying for roads...Rather than find more ways to pit us against each other, can't we look for things to unite us for the common good?

Even if a project doesn't seem to directly benefit veery one on the surface... If you drill down into the smaller details everyone benefits... Deeper water means those with more money and bigger boats might move in thus spending more money and helping you. Deeper water means a better NIV parade which brings more money into the economy through rentals and spending, etc. C'mon Irene

Just to add to Sean comment and as a waterfront owner and boater, the economic value to the local industry is larger then one would think. While NIV is a one shot wonder, many people have waterfronts and boats invite people from all over to come to Ocean City. We support local businesses buying food, fuel, equipment, insurances etc. In addition a family who fishes, boats or sail together, stays together. This is really no different then how we maintain our national parks. Frankly speaking and I know several boaters in Ocean City, if the problem is not resolved, we will have to move elsewhere. At this point, you cant paddle a canoe in several areas. As far as contaminated soils, I believe this is an over blown situation. The EPA limits on many common elements such as Arsenic, which is on the periodic table of elements are at such a low level, that there are many common areas in the world with levels equal or greater then what we have in the back bay, occuring naturally, thats why its on the perodic table of elements. I would also submit that dilution is the solution. THe mud from the bay eventually finds it's way to the ocean anyway, so why not dilute it by pumping onto the beach, or offshore where it can be diluted even further through natural processes of movement with the ocean currents. Lastly, there are loads of tax dollars which are wasted, this is a good use of tax dollars. An example of waste is the new high span bridge to on the summers point side. Why there?

George, I agree with many of your points, but just because something is on the periodic table doesn't make it safe. It just makes it an element. Many radioactive and dangerous elements exist. Just like being natural doesn't make something safe, (botulism, HIV, e.coli, etc.). In reality, communities need to have an active and informed discussion about the value of both dredging and beach replenishment projects. This is actually a national issue.

a lot of people don't use the roads either, should they not pay to have them maintained? I don't own a boat or live on the bay but agree with the point that it increases the overall value of a house in OC in many ways.