State officials say they’re moving forward with emergency repair and renourishment of sand dunes around the Indian River Inlet Bridge as they await a promised $10 million federal contribution.
Using $15 million in state funds, Delaware will undertake a plan to reinforce its shorelines and prevent damage to coastal infrastructure.
As Ronnell Foreman explains in a piece for WMDT, the lowest-lying state in the nation has been experiencing stronger and more frequent storms that are contributing to coastal erosion and flooding.
Although the state has been allocated $10 million by the federal government, according to Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, “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.”
Garvin added, “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.”
A WHYY article by Sarah Mueller adds some details, noting that the project will focus on the Indian River Inlet, which protect the Coastal Highway and have required emergency repair twice in the last few months. More frequent flooding threatens the integrity of the highway as well as the inlet bridge, whose closure would require a 45-minute detour. The project, a collaboration between Delaware and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, includes work on a sand bypass system and the fortification and renourishment of dunes on the north side of the inlet.
FULL STORY: The First State receives backing to combat the dune breaches in new beach replenishment effort
Scientists Studying Artificial Reefs as Flood Mitigation in Great Lakes
Artificial reefs could offer a ‘softer’ flood management and erosion solution that doesn’t disrupt the flow of sediment.
How US Cities Can Prepare for Climate Disasters
Resilience, encompassing infrastructure, governance, economic strength, and social cohesion, is critical for cities to mitigate rising climate risks like flooding, wildfires, and heat, ensuring long-term recovery and adaptability.
Army Corps Recommends $77M Floodwall to Protect Baltimore Tunnels
In the face of growing flooding risk and increased traffic following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, federal and state officials say protecting two of Baltimore's major transportation corridors from flooding is vital.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie