Senate cmte. advances legislation with resources for Del. beach communities, water mgmt.
DELAWARE – Delaware’s bayside and coastal communities could see significant support under an advancing piece of legislation.
Wednesday, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously approved the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024. The allows for funding and partnership between the state of Delaware and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps).
New Program, Changes to Contributions
Under the legislation, the Delaware Coastal System Program would be established to share resources among communities at highest risk for storm damage.
Bethany, South Bethany, Dewey, and Rehoboth Beaches would also see an reduction in the required local contribution to beach renourishment, from 35% to 20%. Fenwick Island would see a reduction from 50% to 20%. The reduction in state cost match for efforts in Broadkill Beach would drop from 35% to 10%.
Another state contribution requirement that would be reduced would be for the Delaware Back Bay Study. Under the legislation, that contribution would be limited to 10%, after previously standing at 50%.
Taking a Fresh Look at Needs
The legislation would also serve as a directive for a fresh look at the needs in Delaware’s beach communities. The Corps would be obliged to reevaluate the Lewes Beach project, and determine which other parts of the beach in Lewes may need help.
Plus, the bill would also authorize several studies. One would look at flood risk management projects in communities like Milton and Wilmington. The Delaware Inland Bays Watershed Study would scrutinize ecosystem restoration needs in the inland bay area. Delaware State University would also be authorized to conduct research on water resources in collaboration with the Corps.
Infrastructure Infusion
Infrastructure projects would also get a major shot in the arm, under the legislation.
The bill would allow for a $25 million wastewater and storm water infrastructure project in Delaware’s bay beach communities. Another $25 million would support similar efforts for Delaware’s Atlantic beach communities. The City of Wilmington would get its own $25 million to address those issues.
New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties would each get $40 million for environmental infrastructure projects.
Senator Carper is the Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The biennial legislation was advanced with a unanimous 19-0 vote in the committee.
