Page 30 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch August 23, 2013 Regional Digest Warning System In Effect SALISBURY – Wicomico officials this week announced the implementation of a new citizen warning-alert siren system designed to inform residents and visitors in the county about an imminent hazard including weather-related danger such as a tornado. The specific emergency alerts will be broadcast over any or all of the 13 sirens located at local fire departments and the two maintained by the Wicomico County Department of Emergency Services. Wicomico’s siren system can be activated for either the entire county or for specific affected areas. In the event of an imminent hazard the alert tone, which differs from fire station alarms, will sound for a sustained two minutes. When the sirens sound, citizens should seek shelter immediately and then tune into local news media for additional information. Citizens should not call 911 to determine the hazard causing the activation. “The siren system will be used to alert citizens of an imminent hazard,” said David Shipley, director of Emergency Services for Wicomico County, “September is National Preparedness Month. It’s a great opportunity to talk with your children and elderly parents to ensure they know proper procedures.” Beach Replenishment, Boardwalk Celebrated What They Said… "Congratulations to our federal, county and city partners on a quarter century of working together to support one of our greatest economic engines and recreational resources, Since 1991, this project has prevented $717 million in property damage from storms like Irene and Sandy. But it also protects something that cannot be measured in dollars and cents: The continued opportunity for Maryland working families to enjoy their place in the sun and to make memories that will last a lifetime." GOV. MARTIN O’MALLEY "Beach replenishment is about protecting Maryland's beaches, protecting Maryland's jobs and protecting Maryland's economy. It is a long-term investment that must be made every year. Since its completion, it has repeatedly demonstrated its value by preventing more than $700 million in damages over the last 25 years. … Beach replenishment is proven to protect public and private infrastructure and jobs. That's why I've fought so hard to put funds in the federal checkbook for Ocean City beach replenishment." SENATOR BARBARA MIKULSKI "Twenty-five years of protecting Ocean City's beaches has proved to be invaluable, especially during recent hurricane seasons. Congratulations to all those who have kept this private-public partnership going strong. Maryland's premier beach resort is less vulnerable today because of our efforts, but these programs must be continued and expand for the health of the Chesapeake Bay and the regional economy." SENATOR BEN CARDIN "Beachgoers aren't cheering the fact that Ocean City and Worcester County Governments have each invested nearly $9.7 million into beach replenishment. They aren't championing the State of Maryland for matching our local investments, nor are they singing the praises of the federal government for dumping $43 million in labor and resources into beach replenishment. In fact, they probably don't even know we've partnered to dump 2.2 million cubic yards of sand to strengthen the Ocean City shoreline from 3rd Street to the Delaware State Line. They just know our beaches are fun, safe and beautiful." COUNTY COMMISSION PRESIDENT BUD CHURCH "Over the past 25 years there have been a lot of time, energy, teamwork and money put into the Beach Replenishment Project. However, if you recall the impact that Superstorm Sandy had on the east coast, and the minimal damage that we experienced here in Ocean City, you realize the true value of the project. You realize that this very big investment that we made in 1988 is much more than a sea wall and sand dunes, but it is a shield to our town and our citizens." OCEAN CITY MAYOR RICHARD MEEHAN Governor Martin O'Malley was among the federal, state and local dignitaries who celebrated last Saturday the 25th anniversary of the Ocean City Beach Replenishment Program and Hurricane Protection Project. The next scheduled nourishment project will be in winter/spring 2014. The Army Corps of Engineers estimates the project has prevented $717 million in damage since 1991. Above, O’Malley addresses the assemblage. Photos by Chris Parypa Salisbury Fills Vacancy SALISBURY – Salisbury officials this week announced Michael Moulds has accepted the city’s offer to become the new director of Public Works. Mayor Jim Ireton Jr. on Monday announced Moulds as the city’s new public works director. Moulds brings a unique background in both civil and environmental engineering. Moulds has been working as an engineer since the 1980s after he graduated from Penn State University with a bachelors in civil engineering technology. He is a registered professional engineer in both Maryland and Pennsylvania. Moulds worked as a municipal engineering consultant for over 32 years and has experience with a variety of public works engineering projects including water and wastewater treatment plant design. Since 2006, he has been working as the deputy director of public works and county engineer in Dorchester County. He is currently the vice president of the County Engineer’s Association of Maryland. He began his new job in Salisbury on Monday. “I look forward to the opportunity of serving the citizens of Salisbury to continue to maintain and improve the infrastructure that helps creates jobs and opportunity for our residents and businesses,” he said. SEE NEXT PAGE At the ceremony on 27th Street last Saturday, the city’s recently completed reconstruction of the Boardwalk was lauded. One of the highlights of the ceremony was the recognition of Ocean City resident Brandon Thaler, who led an online campaign while a college student to keep the famous promenade with an all-wooden surface. The effort garnered in excess of 15,000 supporters and Mayor Rick Meehan recognized his efforts. Thaler is pictured above with his parents, Jeff and Rina, and Meehan. Officials also took the occasion to dedicate the city's new Boardwalk on Saturday. The Town of Ocean City completed the reconstruction of its Boardwalk in the spring, resulting in a stronger structure to allow heavier vehicles and fire trucks to ride the entire length of the boards. Above, dignitaries surrounding City Engineer Terry McGean, who is holding a plaque honoring the project.