The First State receives backing to combat the dune breaches in new beach replenishment effort

DELAWARE – In a state-led project, Delaware will be receiving up to 15 million dollars to help fight the breaches that have been affecting the coastlines.

DNREC, Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, said this has been a state priority. “We can’t wait until the federal money is ready which is why the governor, leadership, and support from the general assembly has up to 15 million dollars in place for us to move forward with a state-funded, state-led project.”

The First State has gotten 10 million dollars approved in federal funding; however, it takes time to completely pass, with waves continuing to surge into the street near the Indian River Inlet Bridge, U.S Senator Tom Carper believes the issue has been long overdue for a fix.

“Part of a quality of life in the state, including on the Delmarva peninsula is the ability to go where we need to go, when we need to go, and that involves roads, highways, and bridges.”

The ongoing problem has been a threat, to safety and Delaware’s economy, Garvin acknowledges that the state can’t fight fire with fire. “It’s an ongoing thing, we’re seeing the impacts of climate change in Delaware. We’re the lowest-lying state in the nation, and we’re seeing more frequent and severe storms, so we’re not going to beat Mother Nature, we just got to stay ahead of her.”

Carper has similar thoughts; he knows getting a solution in place needs to be done promptly, “seems like we’ve been playing catch up, we’ve been playing catch up for a long time and we need to stop and get ahead in the ball game.”

Garvin is hopeful they can fix the problem and bring more people safely to the state. “Not only are we worried about protecting the infrastructure of the roads but to continue to provide the recreational opportunities that make people want to come and vacation here and invest their dollars into our economy.”