In the dimly lit conference room of the King George County Government building, a sense of urgency filled the air as officials gathered to discuss the progress of Project Harmony. This ambitious initiative, aimed at addressing the shoreline issues along a two-mile stretch, has become a focal point of concern for local leaders.

The project, which carries a hefty price tag of $2 million, involves the removal of debris and the controversial use of tombstones from a historic cemetery in Washington, D.C., as rip rap along the shoreline. The discussion revealed that these gravestones, once a solemn reminder of lives past, were carelessly discarded and repurposed, raising ethical questions about the project’s execution.

One official expressed frustration over the lack of updates on the project, noting that they had previously visited the site to assess the situation. “We were supposed to be able to get updates on that and possibly go back out and see how they're doing on that project,” they lamented. The absence of communication regarding the project's status has left many in the community uneasy.

As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that the project’s scope was vast, yet the execution appeared haphazard. “It’s a real mess,” one participant remarked, highlighting the sight of mountains of rip rap that now dominate the shoreline. The officials were particularly concerned that the contractors had not ventured beyond the low waterline to ensure no additional tombstones remained submerged.

Despite the challenges, a land disturbance permit for the project was recently issued, allowing work to commence. However, the lack of oversight and the ethical implications of using tombstones as construction material continue to loom large over Project Harmony. As the meeting concluded, the officials left with a shared sense of responsibility to ensure that the project not only meets its goals but also respects the history and dignity of those it inadvertently affects. The community watches closely, eager for updates and reassurances that their concerns are being addressed.