Funding from the federal American Rescue Plan (ARPA) has been allocated to The Trustees for dune restoration on Norton Point Beach. The $100,000 in funding will be used for the project’s second phase.
"We are at a critical moment in regard to protecting our natural environment on Martha’s Vineyard,” said State Senator Cyr in a press release. “The actions we take now will determine the future of our beaches, dunes, coastal habitats, and overall natural environment for generations to come. I’m proud that we are able mitigate coastal erosion to protect a precious spot like Norton Point Beach for the ecosystem that relies on the habitat, and for the next generation of islanders to enjoy and experience.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity to protect a vulnerable stretch of beach that experiences repeated over wash events from tides and storms that cause alarming erosion,” said Cynthia Dittbrenner, director of Coast and Natural Resources, The Trustees. “We are grateful to Senator Cyr for supporting our work to restore the primary dune and protect the vital beach and coastal habitat, and maintain public access to this beloved property which faces accelerating challenges in coming years from the impacts of climate change.”
The project began with a $240,674 Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) grant to the Town of Edgartown in August for Phase I. The Trustees and Dukes County are project partners in this restoration work. Ultimately the project aims to strengthen the resiliency of the coastal landscape, while also protecting public access.