More about the beaches

There was an interesting August 2 article in the West Haven Voice entitled "Beaches rebuilt" that gives more insight into the budget/funding for the replacement of the beach sand, and the state of the beach prior to the repairs.

Apparently, $600,000 per year is put into the 5 year capital plan for replenishing the beaches, and according to Beth Sabo, we don't often use that money. The article also states:

As part of its agreement with the state Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ New England District in Concord, Mass., the city is obligated to maintain its 3.5-mile public shore, which makes up 25 percent of Connecticut’s public beaches

The most extensive repairs included 19,000 tons of sand put into place across from Chick's on Beach street in an area of the beaches known as 'Savin Rock Beach'. A storm on June 2-3 apparently washed away the sand down to the early 20th century seawall.

Lots of other fascinating detail on how the sand was located, and shipped was included in the article.

Mayor Picard is requesting a $200,000 reimbursement from FEMA, and state rep Steve Dargon will be lobbying the state for $1M for future replenishments.