Rep. Kelly Leads Bipartisan Effort to Protect Presque Isle’s Beaches

Sends joint letter to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to guarantee sand replenishment for Erie’s Presque Isle State Park in upcoming work plan

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) has submitted a joint bipartisan letter to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) to officially request that beach nourishment for Presque Isle State Park remains a high-priority project in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) budget for fiscal year 2019 and work plan for fiscal year 2018. The letter was co-signed by Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), and U.S. Senators Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA) and Pat Toomey (R-PA).

Statement by Rep. Kelly:

“I'm very proud to once again lead this bipartisan effort to ensure that Presque Isle’s beaches remain pristine and healthy for the millions of families and tourists who visit them each year. The seven-mile stretch on Lake Erie’s shoreline annually requires proper care and nourishment in order to stay operational. More than one thousand local jobs depend on it, which makes this fight so critical. I expect the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to once again recognize the importance of maintaining this natural and economic treasure for our entire region and country.”

Text of bipartisan letter:

We write today requesting that sand replenishment for Presque Isle State Park is made a high-priority project in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) fiscal year (FY) 2018 Work Plan and FY 2019 budget.

Continued federal assistance for Presque Isle is needed to combat the detrimental effects of sand erosion, which has increased the likelihood of beach closures, public safety concerns, and potential threats to the environment, endangered species, and personal property on Presque Isle.

Presque Isle is an essential economic and natural resource for Northwestern Pennsylvania. According to a study by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, it supports more than 1,000 jobs and attracts roughly four million visitors who bring more than $60 million into the local economy each year. Needless to say, it is critical for the region that the beach remains a popular attraction and that the shoreline’s integrity is fully maintained.

We will continue to work with state and local officials to ensure that the beaches at Presque Isle are properly maintained and continue to support the region’s robust tourism industry. In accordance with federal, state, and local agreement, we respectfully request that you prioritize the Presque Isle Beach Nourishment Project as you finalize your FY 2018 Work Plan and FY 2019 budget.

A copy of the full letter can be viewed here.

NOTE: Rep. Kelly has led numerous congressional efforts to protect Presque Isle and Lake Erie since taking office in 2011. An overview of his recent work can be read here.

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