Reps. Kelly & Thompson, Sens. Casey & Toomey Stand Up for Presque Isle Beaches

PA congressional leaders call for prioritization of beach nourishment in Army Corps of Engineers FY2016 budget

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA), and U.S. Senators Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) issued the following statements today in regard to a joint bipartisan letter they sent yesterday to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) in which they requested that Presque Isle State Park remain a high priority project in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) budget for fiscal year 2016.

Statement by Rep. Kelly:

“Presque Isle State Park’s beaches are a precious natural resource and a powerful economic driver for our entire region. Stretching along seven miles of Lake Erie’s shoreline, they require proper care and nourishment every single year. I expect the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to once again recognize the importance of maintaining this treasure and provide the necessary replenishment that millions of families and tourists – and the jobs they support – depend upon.” 

Statement by Rep. Thompson:

“People from across the Commonwealth travel to Erie to enjoy Presque Isle State Park’s beaches. This beach nourishment project is essential to fighting the constant erosion of the beaches and preserving them for future generations.  It is my hope that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will continue to support replenishment of this vital resource for the Erie region.”

Statement by Sen. Toomey:

“More than 4 million people visit Presque Isle State Park each year—making it Pennsylvania’s most visited state park,” said Sen. Toomey. “Presque Isle is woven into the social fabric of the region and plays a vital part in Northwestern Pennsylvania’s economy.  With these factors in mind, I hope that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will continue to prioritize beach replenishment at the park, as it has in previous years.”

Statement by Sen. Casey:

“The Presque Isle State Park plays an important role in Erie’s tourism and economy, bringing over four million visitors annually and providing jobs across Northwestern Pennsylvania,” Senator Casey said. “Presque Isle also helps to reduce potential flood damage and is essential to sustaining and protecting a unique ecosystem. I am hopeful that the Administration and the U.S. Army will dedicate the necessary resources to this project.”

Excerpt of bipartisan letter:

The Presque Isle State Park beaches are among the most important natural resources in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We commend the USACE’s judgement in past years to ensure the park’s beaches have been replenished in time for the summer tourism season.

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While the ‘Beach Nourishment Project’ is critical to maintaining the park’s shoreline for economic purposes, the sand replenishment also serves vital environmental objectives. The project protects Presque Isle State Park from the lake’s constant erosion and helps sustain the many unique habitats found throughout the park.

We will continue to work with state and local officials to maintain the integrity of the beaches at Presque Isle. In accordance with the federal, state and local agreement, we respectfully request you again prioritize the beach replenishment at Presque Isle State Park as you finalize your FY2016 Civil Works Budget.

A copy of the full letter can be viewed here.

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