Big beaches provide kick to local economy
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Federal, state and county governments work together to preserve an important natural resource - the beach. |
Sussex County's pristine beaches attract visitors from the Washington, D.c., Philadelphia, New York and Baltimore regions.
The county's ocean and bay beaches help boost local and state econormes.
Vacationers rent houses by the week and the season in Sussex's coastal towns, while tourists head to local restaurants and shops throughout the summer.
They fish from local charter boat businesses with purchased state fishing licenses and put money into state parks with entrance fees.
So, the state invests in its shorelines to keep the people coming. The investment includes several projects that will raise sand levels and protective-dune heights over the coming years.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has six coastal projects three along the Delaware Bay and three along the Adantic Ocean in various stages of development:
• An $8.1 million project at Port Mahon to nourish the beach and provide stable habitat for spawning horseshoe crabs and the migratory shorebirds that feed on their eggs. Work could begin in fall 2004.
• A $9.5 million effort to replenish Broadkill Beach, which could start in fall 2005.
• A $3.6 million initial cost to begin an ongoing replenishment of Lewes beach and to rebuild the south jetty at the inlet. Work is expected to be finished by the end of 2004.
• A $15 million initial effort in Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach to replenish the beach, build the dunes and periodically nourish the sites every three years.
• A $23 million project to replenish Bethany Beach and the sands of South Bethany, with work aiming to start in fall 2005.
• A $5.6 million effort in Fenwick Island to nourish the shoreline, with work expected to start in fall 2004.
When Hurricane Isabel approached in September 2003, threatening shoreline damage with high winds and strong waves, U.S. Rep. Michael N. Casde, R-DeL, met with state and local officials on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk to discuss possible requests for federal money in case of severe damage.
Beach towns boarded up, but the hurricane left the shore intact. The popularity of Downstate shores among visitors and those moving to Sussex County fueled by low local property taxes, as well as the natural sites - is seen in growing crowds during the offseason.
In Rehoboth Beach, lifeguards remain on duty after Labor Day on weekends through mid-September. Bethany Beach guards remain on staff through the end of September and into October, when fall festivals continue to draw visitors for weekends away.
Downstate beaches each have their own character and charm the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, the smaller crowds in Slaughter Beach, the national refuge that borders Broadkill - and visitors return year after year to enjoy the relaxation they provide. 
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