CUMBERLAND — A firm has been selected to take over management of the proposed $30 million Canal Place river park project.
Officials with the Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority announced last week that the EcoLogix Group of Parkton will be overseeing the effort.
The project, first proposed in 2012, is expected to include docks for canoe and kayak access as well as a moderate whitewater course on the North Branch of the Potomac River behind Canal Place. The park will also include walking trails, a viewing area and parking.
“We are excited to have EcoLogix with us,” said Dee Dee Ritchie, Canal Place director. “They have the background and experience in the areas we need to move the project forward.”
Ritchie said the firm responded to a request for proposal and a contract has been signed for their services. Canal Place officials have about $8 million secured in state and federal grants for the project.
Ritchie said EcoLogix possesses experience in grant writing, permitting, environmental approval and engineering and design.
Beth Wojton, managing principal with the EcoLogix Group said the company employs 22 experts.
“EcoLogix has been around for over 20 years,” said Wojton.
“The Port of Baltimore is one of our clients. We work in the public and private sector.
“We have a lot of employees that have held top level positions in state and federal and private sector,” she said. “They often retire and take a different view and they still want to contribute so they end up working for EcoLogix. They have all the connections and they know how to get things done.”
Wojton said the company’s staff includes a former Army Corps of Engineers employee and a previous secretary of the environment in Maryland.
“Our experts will be helpful in determining what to do and we’re excited about it,” said Wojton.
“They have capital budget experience and know how to submit for funding,” said Ritchie. “They can put proposals together for state and federal procurement, which we need. It’s a great fit for us.”
A key need for the project is sediment testing of the river for the presence of toxic substances. Canal Place officials plan to remove the industrial dam at the location for the whitewater course.
The Potomac River was used by several large industrial corporations prior to the enactment of river water pollution laws in the 1960s. Testing will tell the level of dioxin and other substances present in the riverbed.
“Dam removal is a priority for us,” said Ritchie. “EcoLogix will also help with the federal NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) review to assess the environmental impact.”
“We have our marching orders from Dee Dee,” said Wojton. “Our first priority is to get the sediment analysis complete and get the trail construction done and the dam removal and everything in between those things.
“There are many things going on and approvals needed so our project management skills are really going to come into play here. With all that’s taking place in the downtown I see the river park as an attraction to bring in visitors and help the area to become vibrant and increase economic development.”