Canal dock project underway in Rehoboth

A decade in the planning, work has finally begun on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal access dock in Rehoboth Beach.

Dogfish Head’s Mark Carter, a member of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal Improvement Association, said work began April 6.

“It’s exciting to see shovels in the ground, if you will,” said Carter, in an email April 15. “We are anxious to see this project progress into reality and add to all the things that make Rehoboth Beach a great coastal community.”

Carter said the site is being cleared and excavated in preparation for construction of a walkway leading down to the canal dock. Once the site is cleared, he said, drainage pipes will be installed, a retaining wall will be constructed and support pilings will be installed.

Dock and gangway construction will follow this, said Carter. Pavers, railings, electrical, lighting, landscaping, fire suppression and site furnishings could be installed this summer.

“Ideally, the project could see completion come sometime this fall,” he said.

To come to fruition, city commissioners voted in February to put $280,000 toward the project in the Fiscal Year 2020/21 budget, which began April 1. At the time of approval, Carter said he and the LRCIA, which has raised more than $1 million for the project, would continue to fundraise to make up the difference.

Carter said the association has received some donations since the city approved the money, but fundraising initiatives are in a holding pattern because of the COVID-19 situation. He said a sign was installed at the site April 14, which lists a website for donations to the project.

For more information, or to donate, go to canal-connection.org.