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Select Board authorizes grant application to dredge Eel River Inlet
Summary
The board voted unanimously to let Marine and Environmental Services apply for an FY27 Seaport Economic Council dredging and regional equipment grant to address navigational hazards and inlet narrowing at the Eel River Inlet. Staff said the project value in packet materials is about $150,000 and requires a roughly 50% local match; dredged material would likely be deposited on Washburn's Island to mitigate habitat impacts.
The Select Board unanimously authorized Marine and Environmental Services to apply for an FY27 Seaport Economic Council dredging and regional equipment grant to conduct construction dredging at the Eel River Inlet.
A staff summary included in the agenda packet cited a project value of about $150,000 and said a 50% local match would be required if the town is awarded the grant. Staff described the inlet as increasingly narrow, producing swift currents and a navigational hazard that affects even experienced boaters. Town staff told the board that, if awarded, dredged material would likely be placed on Washburn's Island as mitigation for bird-habitat loss at the inlet spits.
Select Board members asked clarifying questions about the scope and frequency of dredging; staff said the work is not expected to be annual and that the grant cycle is highly competitive, with the state likely to pick between three and five recipients. The motion to authorize the application passed unanimously.
Next steps: MES will submit the grant application by the announced deadline and return to the board with further project detail if the grant is awarded.
