After 10 years, Rehoboth’s canal access dock complete

After roughly nine months of work and a decade of planning, the new canal access dock in Rehoboth Beach is all but complete.

In an email Dec. 21, Krys Johnson, city spokesperson, said the city is waiting for the contractor to finish up some punch-list items while the city works on signage. She said the city hopes to have things wrapped up and operational after the holiday season.

The dock is located on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal behind the Rehoboth Beach Museum and Grove Park. Construction began in April. A final walk-through was conducted Dec. 10.

The city was in charge of constructing the $1.25 million project, but the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal Improvement Association, a nonprofit proponent of the venture, raised over $1 million toward its completion. In February, city officials committed $280,000 of this year’s budget toward the project.

Rehoboth Beach Commissioner Pat Coluzzi is a member of LRCIA and has been a supporter of the project since the beginning. She said the city looks forward to being able to work with water taxi operators and eco-tour companies to offer residents and visitors access to a part of Delaware that many people have not seen.

“I believe, as Delaware’s flagship beach community, we need to continue to do more to attract visitors and the residents of bedroom communities to continue to patronize our businesses downtown. And, I believe the dock will do just that,” said Coluzzi, in an email Dec. 21.

Coluzzi said the dock provides a new link between Lewes and Rehoboth, and an exciting way to enjoy both towns while avoiding the increasing traffic on Route 1. With a kayak launch, the canal will now be open to many who would like to enjoy the excellent water views and birds that are abundant in this part of Delaware, she said.

Johnson said a date for a ribbon cutting is pending.