The New Shoreham Coastal Resilience Committee is looking to Nantucket, Massachusetts, for inspiration in tackling environmental challenges, particularly sea level rise. During a recent meeting, committee members highlighted Nantucket's comprehensive coastal resilience plan, which emphasizes community engagement and innovative infrastructure solutions.

Nantucket, much like Block Island, faces similar risks due to its coastal location and tourism-driven economy. The town has developed a robust coastal flood risk map and engaged residents in discussions about preferred strategies for protecting their shoreline. This approach has led to a preference for hybrid infrastructure—solutions that combine traditional engineering with environmentally friendly practices.

One notable project in Nantucket is the Baxa Road and Skonset Bluff stabilization initiative. This project aims to enhance coastal resilience while being environmentally responsible. It involves the use of geotubes, which are filled with natural materials and designed to stabilize the bluff against erosion. The project is particularly interesting because it was co-sponsored by both private parties and the town, allowing for greater involvement in the planning and execution phases.

The committee noted that Rhode Island's Coastal Zone Management Act parallels Nantucket's Wetlands Protection Act, emphasizing the importance of minimizing environmental impact and exploring alternatives. The lessons learned from Nantucket's past failures with green infrastructure in the 1980s have informed current strategies, showcasing the need for careful planning and community involvement.

In summary, the New Shoreham Coastal Resilience Committee is poised to adopt similar strategies as Nantucket, focusing on hybrid infrastructure and community engagement to address the pressing challenges of climate change and sea level rise. This collaboration could pave the way for more effective coastal resilience planning in Rhode Island.