Army Corps, Del. to share costs for coastal storm risk management study

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Philadelphia District has signed a feasibility cost sharing agreement with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) to initiate a new study for the Delaware Inland Bays.

The agreement, signed by USACE Philadelphia District Commander Lt. Col. Ramon Brigantti and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin on Nov. 29, 2022, formally kicks off the Delaware Inland Bays and Delaware Bay Coast Coastal Storm Risk Management Study.

The study will evaluate various alternatives to manage risk from coastal storms that impact the Delaware Inland Bays and Delaware Bay Coast. The alternatives will need to be technically feasible, economically justified, and environmentally acceptable. The final product of the study will be a decision document in the form of a Chief’s Report, which might authorize design and construction opportunities.

“Our District has a long history of supporting the First State and I’m proud to continue that tradition,” says Brigantti. “We know there’s considerable risk along our nation’s coastlines and back bay environments, and so it’s important for us to study ways to help manage that risk – that will be our focus with this effort.”

The study area includes the Delaware Inland Bays and the Delaware Bay coastline in the State of Delaware in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties. The Inland Bays coastline area is approximately 77 square miles, and the Delaware Bay coastline is approximately 145 square miles.

"This study presents us with a great opportunity to investigate flood risk and to develop mitigation solutions in areas that are seeing greater impacts from climate change," says Garvin. "Through Delaware's vital partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, we will be able to capitalize on the experience the Corps has gained performing similar studies throughout the northeast United States. With Delaware being the lowest-lying state in the nation, and with us already seeing and feeling the impacts from climate change, this collaboration with the Corps will allow us to explore creative solutions to help us manage these impacts.”