Senate Appropriations Committee Has Approved Funding for Sand Replenishment
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey today announced that the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $1 million in federal funding for sand replenishment at Presque Isle in Erie, Pennsylvania. The project is contained in the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill.
The funding includes beach maintenance, periodic repair and replenishment of beach sand. Each year, approximately 55,000 tons of additional beach sand fill is needed to replace sand displaced by winter storms. The goal of the project is to minimize erosion and promote natural growth in an area of the peninsula known as Gull Point.
“The project is critical not only to Erie’s tourism economy but to maintaining a habitat for an endangered species,” Senator Specter said. “Presque Isle plays an important role in reducing potential flood damage and protecting a unique ecosystem, and I am pleased my colleagues have approved this funding.”
“Presque Isle is not only a top destination for recreation and tourism, it is a key part of the landscape and environment health of Northwestern Pennsylvania,” said Senator Casey. “I am grateful that members of the committee approved funding for this important project.”
The bill must be approved by the full Senate, the House of Representatives and signed into law by the President before funding is final.
###
