Delaware’s Congressional Delegation Announces $8 Million for Coastline Repair in Bethany Beach and South Bethany

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Sens. Tom Carper and Ted Kaufman (both D-Del.) and Congressman Mike Castle (R-Del.) announced $8.172 million in federal funding to repair the Bethany Beach and South Bethany coastline, following damage from the Nor’Easter and Hurricane Ida in November 2009.

“We’re pleased to announce that Delaware’s coastline will now receive the attention it deserves,” said Carper, Kaufman, and Castle. “There’s no better time of year than the summer months to see how important Delaware’s beaches are to the state’s economy. Not only will this funding help repair the damage that was done, it will also allow us to reinforce coastal barriers to protect our beaches before the inevitable storm strikes again.”

On July 2, Delaware’s Congressional delegation sent a letter along with seven of their Congressional colleagues urging the Appropriations Committee leadership to retain funding in the Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies (FCCE) account for federally authorized beach projects damaged last fall. The letter noted that for every $1 spent on beach nourishment, the federal government collects $320 in tax revenue.

The date to begin work has not been finalized but will not begin before October 2010.