DELAWARE- What was expected to be an announcement of $10 million for bay beach restoration along the Delaware coast on Monday, May 13, has since increased to $31.9 million in federal funding.
U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, alongside Delaware officials, announced the nearly $32 million in federal funding to protect and enhance Delaware bay beach communities. The announcement was made with notable attendees including Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, Slaughter Beach Mayor Bob Woods, and other state and local dignitaries.
"While we continue to invest in our coastline, we must also address the root causes of sea level rise and ever-growing storms caused by climate change," said Carper. "That’s why in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, which I was proud to help co-author and get passed, we are investing billions of dollars into protecting our planet from these threats for generations to come."
According to Carper, this funding includes $10 million from Congressionally Directed Spending, aimed at restoring beaches and constructing storm protection systems like dunes across key areas such as Pickering Beach, Kitts Hummock, Slaughter Beach, Prime Hook Beach, and Lewes Beach. The Army Corps of Engineers has also allocated an additional $21.9 million to this initiative, increasing the total federal investment to approximately $58 million for ongoing coastal protection efforts.
DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin said, "As we scope and prioritize how these funds are used, we encourage our Bayshore communities to bring resources to the table to protect our communities."