DNREC says it has commissioned a study to explore the economic benefits of beach nourishment and to begin to develop new approaches to funding projects needed to maintain Delaware’s shorelines.
Delaware’s beaches and dunes protect public and private infrastructure, including houses and roads, from wave action that causes erosion during coastal storms. They also provide recreational opportunities and habitat to an array of plants and animals.
Because local and non-local entities benefit from beach nourishment, along with the state as a whole, the department has commissioned a study to examine just how these benefits are distributed. The study will develop cost share ratios, based on these benefits, to be presented to policy makers as possible avenues for future cost-sharing.
In a January 8th Rehoboth Beach Commissioners Special Meeting, Rehoboth Beach Mayor Stan Mills said it sounds like DNREC is looking for towns to chip in,
“In my opinion, this is code speak for seeking additional funding from municipalities for beach nourishment,” said Mills.
Mills added the Association of Coastal Towns is discussing the topic but has not yet formed an opinion on the matter.
The Town of Bethany Beach posted a note on the town website that says, "The Delaware Department of Natural Resources (DNREC) is driving an initiative to bring the cost of beach replenishment to Delawares coastal towns. Those costs have the potential to bankrupt our communities."
An additional document states, "The Association of Coastal Towns communities of Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany and Fenwick Island, protest in the strongest possible terms the on-going initiative that the Delaware Department of Natural Resources (DNREC) is developing."
Greg Kalinsky, a local Rehoboth Beach business owner, agrees that it would be a burden to towns.
"As a State resource, the whole purpose of DNREC is to make sure that all resources of the state can be enjoyed by everyone," says Kalinsky. "I think it would be difficult, bordering on unfair to try to allocate the expense for each beach and its replenishment."
But local business owner Jeff Housman doesn't see it that way. He thinks the town could use avenues like the cost of parking to ensure that the cost is distributed fairly.
"If you have to help for it, it's kind of where we are," says Housman. "So I think yeah, however, the money gets there, I think we have to do it."
DNREC shoreline and waterways staff inviting the public to a virtual meeting to discuss the economic benefits or, and costs to maintain, health shorelines in Delaware.
The meeting will be next Thursday, January 18, at 6 p.m.
DNREC says this meeting is a first step in the process. DNREC and its consultant will present the background of the project, and the modelling approach that will be used to develop recommended cost share ratios between the state and other local entities.
The meeting is open to all. Please submit any comments or questions ahead of the meeting using the Shoreline and Waterway comment form.
Click here to pre-register for the meeting.
