U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) announced yesterday that "replenishment projects" will begin this fall at Bethany Beach, South Bethany, and Fenwick Island. Winter storms and hurricanes have increased erosion of the shoreline, making beach towns more vulnerable to flooding.

The projects entail feeding fresh sand onto the beaches through a series of pipes. The sand will then be shaped into a berm or dune shape.

“What we’ve learned from past storms is that beach replenishment works if we are proactive in protecting our coastline. Our dunes and beaches have stood up to the nastiest storms and protected our homes, businesses, schools and infrastructure,” said Sen. Carper, ranking member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, in a press release.

“Some people may question why we continue to replenish our beaches. Our 21 miles of oceanfront are more than just sand and surf – they generate more than $6.9 billion in coastal tourism annually, employing almost 60,000 people. This is more than 10 percent of Delaware’s workforce. It’s important work that protects not only our community but our economy as well,” he added.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District will handle the replenishment using federal funds from the Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies program.