Senators Carper, Coons Hail Passage of Energy and Water Infrastructure Funding Bill

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.) today applauded Senate passage of the Energy and Water Appropriations bill. This annual spending bill for the country’s energy and water programs contains a critical provision that will help maintain and strengthen investments to protect beaches and coastal areas, including Delaware’s shorelines.

“The First State’s five-star beaches are not only natural treasures that drive our local economy, they’re also a vital layer of protection for our coastal communities when severe weather strikes, like Superstorm Sandy and this winter’s historic nor’easter,” Senator Carper said. “The Energy and Water Appropriations bill approved by the Senate today includes robust funding for shore restoration so that our beaches can continue to receive the maintenance they need to mitigate against future storms and flooding.”

“When I was elected to the Senate in 2010, I made it a priority to secure a seat on the Appropriations Committee so that I could fight for Delaware priorities like beach protection and replenishment in our federal spending bills,” Senator Coons said. “This appropriations bill includes important federal funds to maintain and protect Delaware’s beaches, and I’m going to continue working with Senator Carper to ensure the Corps prioritizes areas that are most in need of restoration.”

The legislation provides $50 million for shore protection, in addition to funding for many other navigation and environmental restoration activities. Through an amendment proposed by Senators Carper and Coons, those funds may be used for areas that are most in need, whether due to extreme weather events, or like in Delaware, because the regularly scheduled Army Corps of engineers beach replenishment has been delayed.