Arrival of York County Dredge in Wells Harbor
The York County dredge, a vital resource for coastal restoration, docked at Wells Harbor on May 9th. Acquired in December 2022 with federal funds, this Ellicott dredge model was specifically purchased to address the erosion caused by harsh winter storms. Its arrival marks a significant step forward in the coastal restoration efforts undertaken by Wells and the broader York County.
Strategic Mooring and Assembly
Before arriving in Wells, the dredge was stored at the Saco Public Works Department for over a year. Recently, it was assembled at Portland Yacht Services, a process that took two weeks. The dredge set sail from Portland at 7:30 AM and by 2:30 PM, it was securely moored in Wells Harbor. Under a three-year agreement with York County, Wells Harbor will serve as the dredge’s home, centralizing efforts to rebuild and fortify the coastline.
Community Impact and Usage Priorities
Kevin Roch from Save our Shores emphasized the community benefits, stating, “Now that it’s built and positioned here, it will encourage other communities to come forward and protect their shorelines, making it a regular practice.” This initiative not only supports Wells but also invites neighboring communities to engage in similar protective measures.
Wells has been granted priority in utilizing the dredge for upcoming dredging projects over the next year. The local community is optimistic about the positive changes the dredge will bring, improving coastal resilience and enhancing beach areas significantly.