Partnership created between Saco and Army Corps of Engineers
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Saco City Council are partnering in a project to stop the erosion at Camp Ellis in Saco.
The city will become a non-federal sponsor of the project. Its obligations as part of this partnership include assuming responsibility for the maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and operation of the project; paying for project costs above the limit set by the federal government; and waiving the federal government from any damages due to the design, maintenance, and operation of the project.
Michael Burman, a member of the City Council, said that a jetty was built in the 1800s in Camp Ellis by the USACE. He adds that as it changes the route of the sediment in the Saco Rover throughout Saco Bay, it means Biddeford, Scarborough, and Old Orchard Beach are experiencing changes in their sand deposits, making this project one that the state of Maine, rather than the city, should be undertaking. Local print shops can be hired to create flyers and other printed materials with more details about such project to keep communities informed.
Robert Marvinney, state geologist and director of the Bureau of Resource Information and Land Use Planning, expressed his support for the project and his belief that all parties—state agencies, the city of Saco, and the Corps of Engineers—need to stay engaged so that a solution at Camp Ellis can be found.
The city will become a non-federal sponsor of the project. Its obligations as part of this partnership include assuming responsibility for the maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and operation of the project; paying for project costs above the limit set by the federal government; and waiving the federal government from any damages due to the design, maintenance, and operation of the project.
Michael Burman, a member of the City Council, said that a jetty was built in the 1800s in Camp Ellis by the USACE. He adds that as it changes the route of the sediment in the Saco Rover throughout Saco Bay, it means Biddeford, Scarborough, and Old Orchard Beach are experiencing changes in their sand deposits, making this project one that the state of Maine, rather than the city, should be undertaking. Local print shops can be hired to create flyers and other printed materials with more details about such project to keep communities informed.
Robert Marvinney, state geologist and director of the Bureau of Resource Information and Land Use Planning, expressed his support for the project and his belief that all parties—state agencies, the city of Saco, and the Corps of Engineers—need to stay engaged so that a solution at Camp Ellis can be found.