How to Dry Out Bilge? And add a pump?

New boat owner. 16ft older Crestliner. Has bilge pump located in small cutout area in deck under motor well so not easily accessible. Bilge pump pumps out most water but there is always some left in there. Is there any good way to get this area completely dry? We have boat inspections here before going into certain lakes due to quagga mussels and they say bilge must be dry. Also, is it bad for water to continue to be left in the bilge area?

Also, after reading some of the articles and responses on here I think I want to add a second pump. How do I do this? I have never worked with boat electrical or really any electrical. I have 2 batteries and then it looks like a panel under the passenger side glove box area. DO I just run the wire straight to the panel?

THANKS in advance

Re: How to Dry Out Bilge? And add a pump?

Here is a thread started April of this year which addresses your concern for drying out the bilge area prior to inspection.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=390388&highlight=quagga+mussels