- May 13, 2024
Senator Carper Announces Nearly $32 Million for Bay Beach Protection Project
U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee in the Senate, joined Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, Slaughter Beach Mayor Bob Woods, Delaware Bay Beach Association President Kathy Lock, and state and local officials to announce $31.9 million in federal funding to help protect and restore Delaware bay beach communities.
Sen. Carper secured $10 million in Congressionally Directed Spending, formerly known as earmarks, that will help restore the beaches and build storm protection systems, such as dunes, to guard the communities along the bay, including Pickering Beach, Kitts Hummock, Slaughter Beach, Prime Hook Beach and Lewes Beach. In addition, the Army Corps of Engineers released its work plan which allocates an additional $21.9 million to the initiative. Senator Carper previously secured $26 million for the project, which brings the total federal funding secured for the project to approximately $58 million
“This funding will help restore the beach and dunes that help protect our communities along the bay and Delaware’s thriving beach economy,” said Sen. Carper. “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. 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.”
“The State of Delaware appreciates Senator Carper’s commitment to securing our coastline from the impacts of climate change,” said DNREC Secretary Garvin. “The funding provided through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and Congressionally Directed Spending funding supported by the Senator’s leadership is beneficial to the State. 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.”
“Senator Carper has led the fight for Delaware’s coast his entire career in public service,” said Kathy Lock, president of the Bay Beach Association. “His relentless fight to protect and enhance our beaches, bays, wetlands and waterfronts continues and we are honored to have him here in Slaughter Beach today with great news about the Delaware Bay coast.”
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