Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ) - Design 

1.  When will crews begin collecting field data?

Crew collected field data in Summer 2017

2.  Will crews need to use motorized vehicles to collect field data?

No, crews do not need motorized vehicles to collect field data.  They will be walking by foot in groups of 2 or 3.  Different crews visit the site at different times depending on their area of expertise including tree identification, wetland identification, and stream characteristics.

3. How long will it take to complete the design and permits?

The design and permits should be completed June 2019.

4.  Will the design be available for review?

Yes, the design will be available for review, digitally on this webpage or printed copies will be available in our offices at 212 South Bond Street.  Each submittal from the design engineer will be available for review.  Adjacent property owners will be notified by email, phone, or mail when the plans are available. 

5.  Will easements from the property owners be necessary for the County to construct this restoration?

Yes, this project is proposed entirely on private property.  None of the existing drainage and utility easements allow the County to complete this type of project.  For this project a majority of the project is located within the open space owned by the Foster Branch Homeowners Association.

6. When will the easement documents be available for property owners to review?

Easements are based on the areas delineated in the design for construction and construction access.  These areas are typically finalized when the design is approximately 75% complete.  At that time property plats will be developed which show the limits of the proposed easements.

7. Will the easements be permanent?

No. Easements will be revertible; meaning after 10 years the easements will no longer be valid and the property within the easement reverts back to the owner without the restriction.

Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ) - Construction 

1. What time of year can construction take place?

Construction will take place between June 15th and February 28th.  The timing for construction will be based on the stream designation assigned by Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  This project is located in the Foster Branch watershed which is a designated for general recreation Use 1, meaning it is neither a drinking water source nor a trout stream.  In-stream construction restrictions for Use 1 stream is from March 1st through June 14th. 

2. When will construction start?  

Construction can start approximately 3 months after the design is completed.  This allows for the project to be advertised for bids from pre-qualified contractors who specialize in stream restoration.  If the design is completed and all permits have been issued by June 2019, construction will need to wait until the stream closure discussed in the item above, or June 2020.

3. How long will it take to complete construction?

Approximately 6 months.

Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ) - Funding

1. Is there funding in place to pay for construction?

No.  Funds for construction will be requested for the County Budget for fiscal year 2020, which begins on July 1, 2019.  This budget will be presented to the County Council for consideration in spring 2019.

2. What is the source of funding for these types of projects?

Resolution 005-15 Recordation Tax Reallocation was adopted in March 2015 which established a dedicated fund for restoration projects.  This dedicated fund allows the County to sell bonds to fund these projects.  Prior to establishing the dedicated fund, funding for these projects competed with other agencies such as the Sheriffs Office and Schools for general funds.