Old Orchard Beach scheduled for beach replenishment

Dune restoration is set to begin this winter in two areas of the beach in Old Orchard Beach.

Storms in January 2024 caused significant damage to Old Orchard Beach and other coastal communities. Projects to dredge and provide beach nourishment in Saco and Wells and to provide beach nourishment in Old Orchard Beach have been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under its Emergency Protective Measures program, according to an article by York County Government Media Specialist Tammy Wells.

The construction season for the beach replenishment and dredging is November to March.

Old Orchard Beach Town Manager Diana Asanza said at Tuesday’s Town Council meeting that the project in Old Orchard Beach will help restore the dune system to protect against a category B storm along the coast in the area from Porter Road to New Salt Road in Ocean Park, and in the area from Morrison Avenue to Rosewood Avenue off East Grand Avenue.

About 6,000 cubic yards of sand that has been tested to match the sand in Old Orchard Beach will be taken to these areas, and 14,000 square yards of dune grass will be planted in those locations.

The project in total will cost $1.2 million, said Asanza. The town will pay ten percent of this cost, with FEMA paying 75 percent and the Maine Emergency Management Agency paying 15 percent.

The town of Old Orchard Beach is also pursuing a FEMA grant for beach replenishment and dune planting to protect against a category G storm in the area near The Pier. This project would cost about $467,000.

If the town were to get FEMA funding for the project near The Pier, the town’s share of the cost would be $116,000, which could also include in-kind contributions such as staffing.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.