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Staff: Assateague beach relocation project is 95% designed, fully funded; construction expected March 2025
Summary
County administrator Mike Mason relayed takeaways from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife session: project design about 95% complete, fully funded, includes new access road, 961 parking spaces and an accessible path; construction is expected to begin March 2025 and finish April 2026.
County Administrator Mike Mason reported to the Board of Supervisors on a U.S. Fish and Wildlife public information session about the Assateague Public Beach Relocation Plan. Mason said the project is fully funded and approximately 95% through the design phase. He described a new access road, a proposed network of parking lots totaling 961 spaces, and planned accessible paths or boardwalks from parking to the beach.
Mason said the existing National Park Service Thomas Cove Visitor Center would be demolished upon project completion and operations relocated to the Bateman Center. He relayed a construction timeline provided by Fish and Wildlife—anticipated start in March 2025 with completion in April 2026.
Supervisors asked about likely local opposition, erosion in the area and the fate of existing access roads. Mason acknowledged concern from residents and stakeholders, noted the south end of the beach is experiencing westward movement of about 13 feet per year, and said preservation uses (bird watching, walking) would continue on certain existing features where feasible. Mason offered to invite Fish and Wildlife staff to brief the board in more detail if desired.
