Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Coastal Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council hears presentation on local comprehensive beach management plan as Camp Ellis jetty nears construction
Summary
Consultants told the Saco City Council a three‑phase beach management plan will inventory data, test options and produce a living plan; staff will prepare a budget amendment for phase 1 and apply for grants to help fund the work.
City staff and consultants presented a draft approach on July 28 for a local comprehensive beach management plan designed to coordinate local work with York County and Army Corps projects at Camp Ellis.
Public‑works Director Travis Moore introduced Rob Adams (Halverson Design/Tie and Bond), who described a three‑phase project: (1) gather and consolidate existing data and run hydrodynamic modeling with Woods Hole Group; (2) develop and test options via community workshops; and (3) produce a living, visually rich plan and toolkit for short‑ and long‑term management.
Adams said Woods Hole Group’s modeling can incorporate Army Corps alternatives for the proposed spur jetty and simulate future storm and sea‑level scenarios. The consultants proposed focusing on three shoreline zones in Saco: Camp Ellis (most dynamic), the mid‑coast zone with a vehicular right‑of‑way, and the northern private‑shoreline zone with no vehicular right‑of‑way.
Shoreline Commission Chairman David Plavin and other speakers told the council that a coordinated plan is overdue and urged integrating existing county, university and state studies — including LIDAR, bathymetry and drone mapping — to avoid duplicative work. Plavin said federal investment in the Camp Ellis spur jetty underscores the need for a local plan that clarifies maintenance responsibilities and integrates with the county’s efforts.
Staff said they will prepare a budget amendment to fund phase 1 and will apply for a state community action grant (up to $75,000, no match) to help pay for later phases. Consultants estimated phase‑one costs as the most certain line item (roughly $186,000 shown in the presentation) and provided ranges for later phases. No final appropriations were approved at the workshop.
Councilors asked staff to coordinate with county engineers (Anchor QEA) and federal modeling so the city’s plan complements, rather than duplicates, existing work. Councilor Berman asked for efficiency and alignment with county and Army Corps studies; Director Moore confirmed staff will seek grants and return with a budget amendment for council action.
