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Middletown awards Phase 2 beach erosion study contract, funds $59,000 with $50,000 grant
Summary
The council awarded Crossman Engineering a $59,000 Phase 2 beach erosion study contract, funded by a $50,000 Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank grant and $9,000 from the parks and recreation capital replenishment fund, and discussed strategic nourishment and long‑term monitoring.
The Town of Middletown council voted to award a contract to Crossman Engineering for Phase 2 of a beach erosion study, approving a $59,000 package to be funded with a $50,000 Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank community projects grant and $9,000 from the parks and recreation capital replenishment fund. The finance director was authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the town.
Members and staff said Phase 1 validated earlier findings that the beaches are losing sand faster than it is returning and recommended continued survey and sediment transport work to inform potential nourishment or other interventions. A councilor who serves on the beach commission said the survey and inventory work increases eligibility for federal disaster relief if a catastrophic storm later damages the shoreline.
Speakers discussed technical tradeoffs — where sand is placed matters for its persistence — and referenced longer‑term options such as oyster beds to dissipate wave energy. The resolution passed by voice vote; staff said the study will inform maintenance and possible future nourishment projects.
