"I will continue to work to ensure that Camp Ellis receives the resources it needs to save the shoreline and beachfront homes from further devastation," said Senator Collins. "We must take into account that the problem was caused by the federal government and the Army Corps through the construction of a jetty that has caused devastating erosional impacts to the shoreline. Camp Ellis has waited far too long and seen far too many homes lost for this problem to continue unaddressed."
Senator Collins had pressed the Chairmen of the Environmental and Public Works Committee to authorize $20 million in funding for the Camp Ellis Beach Restoration project. In a letter, she pointed out that recent wave-modeling studies indicated that the construction of at least one offshore breakwater and a spur coming off the jetty are likely needed to protect the shoreline from further erosion and destruction of property. This work is estimated to cost $20 million dollars, double the amount authorized by the House of Representatives for the project.
"These additional dollars are necessary to ensure that the Army Corps of Engineers will have the resources to fully protect the residents and beachfront at Camp Ellis," said Senator Collins. "A distinct possibility now exists that a large storm could entirely breach the peninsula and turn Camp Ellis into an island. The safety and well being of Camp Ellis and Saco depend on successful and immediate action by the Army Corps of Engineers."
Erosion at Camp Ellis has caused around 36 houses to wash into the sea in the last 100 years. Houses that are now in danger were once six or more houses back from the oceanfront. The 1998 shoreline had receded 400 feet from where the shoreline stood in 1908.
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