In June of 2023 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin a project that will replenish the beach and dune in Bethany Beach between Third Street and Wellington Parkway. It is estimated, depending on weather, replenishment will take between 15 to 25 days and will place an additional 320,000 cubic yards of sand on our dune and beach.

Beach and dune replenishment is part of the Army Corp of Engineers Storm Damage Reduction Project and is funded by monies from both the Federal (65%) and Delaware State Government (35%). Total estimated annual project cost for the beach fill and the dune system is 3.624 million dollars over the project’s 50-year life. This cost estimate includes initial construction costs, periodic nourishment, major rehabilitation, and project monitoring.

This 2023 replenishment project, which also includes Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, South Bethany and Fenwick Island, costs in excess of 24 million dollars.

Piping for delivering sand to the beach will come ashore between Campbell Place and Central Avenue. Construction will move north from Campbell Place initially. When work is completed in the northern sector of the project area, construction will move south. To ensure safety, 1000’ sections of the beach will be closed during construction. Crossovers will be built and fencing installed after beach replenishment is complete. Dune grass will be planted in the fall.

The contractor for this replenishment is Weeks Marine of Covington, La.