Coastal resilience coordinator discusses erosion solutions and funding strategies in Sconset

The Advisory Committee of Non-Voting Taxpayers meeting on April 5, 2025, focused on coastal resilience strategies for Nantucket, highlighting the importance of international collaboration and local funding mechanisms.

Leah, the Coastal Resilience Coordinator, discussed the potential benefits of learning from cities like Amsterdam, which have extensive experience in managing coastal challenges. She noted that Arcadis, the company responsible for Nantucket's coastal resilience plan, is based in Amsterdam and has valuable insights into effective water management strategies. The conversation emphasized the need for pump stations to manage water in case of breaches in flood walls, a practice well-established in Dutch cities.

The committee also addressed local erosion issues, particularly in the Tom Nevers area, where residents are seeking assistance for stabilization efforts. Leah encouraged residents facing erosion to reach out for support, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of coastal erosion and the importance of community engagement in addressing these challenges.

Funding for coastal resilience projects remains a critical topic. The committee discussed the town's efforts to establish betterment tax districts to support these initiatives. While mapping for these districts has been approved, the funding mechanism has yet to pass. Leah indicated that further education on the benefits of these districts is necessary to gain community support.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the financial implications of coastal resilience planning, estimating that failure to act could lead to costs exceeding $3.4 billion by 2070. In contrast, implementing the proposed resilience plan is projected to cost around $900 million. Leah confirmed ongoing collaboration with town departments to secure funding and advance projects like the Easy Street design.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgency of addressing coastal resilience in Nantucket, the potential for international collaboration, and the need for effective local funding strategies to support these critical initiatives.