On October 1, 2026, the Westport Parks and Recreation Department held a Zoom forum to discuss major beach restoration solutions for the town's eroding beaches. The presentation covered solutions ranging from $14 million to $54 million in costs. Parks and Recreation Director Erik Barbieri led the discussion, which covered dredging, dunes, and sand nourishment options. RACE Coastal Engineering's study examined conditions at Compo Beach, Old Mill Beach, Burying Hill Beach, and Canal Beach. Key findings included that state and federal agencies are unwilling to permit dredging solely for beach nourishment purposes due to environmental protections in Long Island Sound estuary areas. Beach nourishment would require trucking in sand at significant cost. The forum represented a continuation of community conversations begun in July 2026.
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- Parks and Recreation led public forum on beach restoration
- Cost estimates range from $14 million to $54 million
- RACE Coastal Engineering study examined four beaches
- Dredging option rejected by state and federal agencies
- Sand nourishment and trucked-in sand discussed as solutions
- Environmental protections limit dredging in Long Island Sound
Updated 3 weeks ago
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