SALISBURY — The Salisbury Beach Nourishment Project is on track for completion after a $615,000 change order was approved Thursday to secure the additional 10,000 tons of sand needed.
“We are thankful to Governor (Maura) Healey, Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper and DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo for authorizing this funding,” Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, said.
In May, the state Department of Conservation and Recreation committed $1.75 million to the project to stop erosion. The erosion was exacerbated in December 2022 when a major winter storm hit the region.
The project, awarded to T Ford Company Inc. of Georgetown, has seen large volumes of sand brought to the beach to restore the most affected areas.
The work began just before Christmas, stopping at the end of January after New Hampshire-based Ossipee Aggregate halted sand deliveries after supplying 30,000 tons for the project.
Before work was halted, crews were able to complete 4,400 linear feet of the 8,400-linear-foot project, getting through what officials previously described to be the most at risk parts of the beach.
Work was able to resume on Feb. 27 after the project secured 5,000 tons of sand from Torromeo Industries & Divisions based out of Plaistow, New Hampshire. Now with the final 10,000 tons in sight, Tarr described the approval of the funding as a necessary step in ensuring the long-term success of “this vital coastal project.”
“With this funding, we can complete the work as designed and provide much-needed protection for residents, businesses, and natural resources,” Tarr said.
A significant amount of the additional funds needed to complete the project are being contributed from the Salisbury Beach Preservation Trust Fund which is a dedicated financial resource established to support the preservation, long-term maintenance, and restoration of Salisbury Beach.
“The Healey-Driscoll administration has been an exceptional partner to Salisbury,” State Representative Dawne Shand, D-Newburyport, said.
Local officials, including Salisbury Town Manager Neil Harrington, welcome the funding approval, noting that the completed project will enhance public safety, recreational access, and environmental stability.
Harrington was among the many to thank Healey.
“The governor has proven that she understands the importance of protecting Salisbury Beach as a vital natural resource, as a bulwark against sea level rise, and as a key component of our local and regional economy,” Harrington said.
He also expressed gratitude for Tepper and Arrigo for their advocacy on behalf of completing project.
“The town’s officials and its citizens are especially appreciative of the productive partnership that we have developed with Commissioner Arrigo, and we are looking forward to continuing to work with DCR to maintain and enhance the unique resource that is Salisbury Beach,” Harrington said.
With the additional resources secured, work will continue with completion expected in the next several weeks.
Officials have previously expressed hope to have the project done before the beach reopens April 1.
Matt Petry covers Amesbury and Salisbury for The Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: mpetry@northofboston.com.