In September 2008 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District released the Mid-Chesapeake Bay Island Ecosystem Restoration Integrated Feasibility Report & Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The purpose of the study was to determine the feasibility of protecting and restoring aquatic, intertidal wetland, and upland habitat for fish and wildlife at James and Barren Islands utilizing dredged material from the federal Chesapeake Bay approach channels serving the Port of Baltimore and the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. After careful review and consideration of technical, economic, and environmental factors, as well as stakeholder input, it was determined that the 2,144-acre restoration of James Island and Barren Island was feasible and the preferred alternative. The restoration of Barren Island, located in Dorchester County near Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and directly adjacent to Upper Hooper Island in the Chesapeake Bay, will utilize dredged material from the Honga River to restore 72 acres of wetlands. The restoration will also include the installation of sills and a large protective breakwater. The newly formed wetlands and structures will not only slow the erosion of Barren Island itself, but also the adjacent land. The restoration of James Island, located in Dorchester County directly adjacent to Taylors Island in the Chesapeake Bay, will utilize dredged material from the Chesapeake Bay approach channels serving the Port of Baltimore to restore 2,072 acres of lost remote island habitat. Approximately 45% of the dredged material placement site will provide upland habitat and 55% wetland habitat. Given the success of the Poplar Island Ecosystem Restoration Project, the restored islands are expected to provide valuable habitat to a diverse array of wildlife while maintaining the economic viability of the Port of Baltimore. This will greatly aid in achieving the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Vital Habitats Goal. A four-year engineering and design phase for these large island restoration projects will begin in 2019. Once permits are issued, construction activities are estimated to begin at Barren Island in 2022 and at James Island in 2024. This project, known as the “Mid-Bay” project, will accommodate an estimated 90 million to 95 million cubic yards of dredged sediment, providing at least 30 years of capacity.

For additional info click on or copy & paste the links below:

​https://www.nab.usace.army.mil/Mid-Bay
https://chesapeakebaymagazine.com/43-million-contract-awarded-to-rebuild-disappearing-bay-islands/#:~:text=The%20project%20(referred%20to%20as,aquatic%20vegetation%20beds%20around%20it.