UPDATE: Delaware officials finish natural habitat restoration projects

After more than six years since Hurricane Sandy made landfall and destroyed parts of the Delaware coast reserves, the First State has finally completed its restoration projects. 

According to officials, the state received more than 19 million dollars in funds to help restore habitats for horseshoe crabs and shore birds who depend on their eggs during migration. 

"We're celebrating the completion of a multimillion dollar project that not just helps the Mispillion Harbor, but a whole series of different projects in this immediate area that are important for resiliency," said U.S. Senator Chris Coons.

"It took a lot of money, and it took a lot of planning, but nothing gets done without the amazing people and  partnerships with the US Fish Wildlife Service in the state," said U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Director Wendi Weber. 

According to Weber, projects include marsh and beach restoration, as well as dam removals, aquatic connectivity and making rivers healthier. 

"Delaware has a beautiful coastline that attracts millions of tourists every year, so we need to be investing in more planning ahead on making sure that our beaches and marshes, our swamps and our low lying areas in Delaware are prepared for future storms," said Coons.