Federal, state and local officials participate in a press event marking the commencement of construction on the second phase of the Mid-Chesapeake Bay Island Ecosystem Restoration Project, or Mid-Bay, Oct. 10, 2024. The work will include excavation of material from the Honga & Tar Bay federal navigation channels and placement within a contained area adjacent to Barren Island. From left: Maryland Port Administration Director of Harbor Development Holly Miller; U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (Md.); U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, Deputy Commander Mark Pollak; Dorchester County Council President Lenny Pfeffer; U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (Md.); Maryland Senator Johnny Mautz.