Delaware's bay beaches to be replenished with nearly $60 million in federal funds
U.S. Sen. Tom Carper announced over $58 million in federal funding has been allotted to protect and restore Delaware's bay-beach communities.
Carper secured about $36 million to replenish beaches and build dunes from Pickering Beach to Lewes, a news release from his office said, while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is allocating about $22 million.
"With all the funds ... the Corps can begin the critical work of renourishment, which helps protect communities against coastal storms, and helps protect habitat for our critters on our shores," Carper said in Slaughter Beach on Monday for the announcement.
Horseshoe crabs, diamondback terrapins and red knots, to name a few critters, depend on Delaware's bay beaches, while property owners and taxpayers depend on the protection of the dunes.
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There is not yet an official timeline for the project, according to Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Shawn Garvin, and it's possible not all bay beaches will be included.
The department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are finalizing a design plan, after which prioritization will be determined, Garvin said. Those efforts are expected to take about a year, with next year being the earliest replenishment could begin, according to Garvin.
The department's 2023 Bay Beach Nourishment Prioritization Plan deemed Pickering Beach and Kitt's Hummock first in line for replenishment, followed by Slaughter Beach. Broadkill Beach was listed as the lowest priority at the time, however, the order of prioritization may have changed since the plan was published.
The department conducted small-scale replenishment in Pickering Beach, Kitts Hummock, Bowers, South Bowers and Slaughter Beach in 2022. Broadkill Beach was last replenished in 2016, while Lewes received replenishment this year.
Prime Hook Beach and Big Stone Beach are not included in the project because they are privately-owned beaches.
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Sen. Tom Carper announces $60M for Delaware bay beach replenishment
