Leaders of beach towns in Delaware are opposing the recommendations for cost sharing for beach replenishment projects. The cost sharing proposals were put forward by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which would require beach towns to contribute more money towards these projects. The mayors of Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, and Dewey Beach have all expressed their concerns, stating that the proposed increase in costs would place a heavy financial burden on their towns.
The Mayor of Rehoboth Beach, Stan Mills, stressed that the current cost sharing arrangements have been in place for over 50 years and have worked effectively. The proposed changes would lead to a significant increase in costs for their town, which already struggles to budget for these projects. Mayor Mills argued that beach replenishment is crucial for protecting coastal communities from storms and erosion, and that it should remain a shared responsibility between federal, state, and local governments.
Bethany Beach Mayor Rosemary Hardiman echoed these concerns, stating that the proposed changes would be “devastating” for her town. The mayors are calling on state and federal legislators to intervene and ensure that the cost sharing arrangements remain fair and equitable for all parties involved.
The mayors have also raised concerns about the potential impact of these increased costs on tourism and property values in their towns. They fear that higher costs for beach replenishment projects could deter visitors and harm the local economy.
Overall, the beach town leaders are united in their opposition to the proposed cost sharing recommendations and are actively advocating for a fairer solution that will protect their communities while not placing an undue financial burden on their towns.
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