NEWBURYPORT — Emergency repairs are in store for the south jetty at the mouth of the Merrimack River along Plum Island, thanks to the release of $3.5 million in federal funds.
The work — aimed at alleviating long-standing erosion issues — could start by early fall, according to the announcement yesterday by the office of U.S. Rep. John Tierney, D-Salem.
The money derives from the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, which Tierney supported, that became law in December.
Deterioration of the jetties at the mouth of the river has been blamed for beachfront erosion and also for unsafe boating conditions. The funding will be used for the south jetty only, according to Tierney's office.
"I'm pleased with this development, because it is work that needs to be done," Tierney said in an interview. "The community came together back in 2006 (when we began to address this), and the Army Corps of Engineers has been active, as well.
"We've had dredging (in 2007), and local representatives have persevered in trying to improve the jetties. Bids could go out at the end of spring, so that is really good news."
Local materials might be used as part of the repair work.
Last fall, several residents of Plum Island learned that large stones had been unearthed and were being stored on land adjacent to the Seabrook Station nuclear power plant.
Army Corps of Engineers representatives inspected the stone and deemed it dense enough to be used to shore up the jetty.
Tierney yesterday said that no decision has been made on whether the stone will be purchased and barged south for use in the improvement project.
"It depends on the developer and the bids," he said. "If those stones are used, it could help defray expenses."
Mayor Donna Holaday's initial comment to the funding was "Hallelujah!"
She said, "This came about as the result of people working together, such as those who were active in the Merrimack River Valley Alliance.
"The work of that group brought together officials from different communities along the river and showed that we were united in our concern."
Ron Barrett, a Plum Island activist and a member of the alliance, said, "This is good news for this area and the result of a lot of work by many people."
The Merrimack River Valley Alliance, which includes representatives from area communities such as Newburyport, Newbury, Salisbury, Amesbury, Haverhill and Lawrence, met numerous times last fall to discuss issues relating to the river, including the need to shore up the jetties.
Several state and local officials also traveled to Washington in early October to meet with elected officials and federal administrators and plead their case.
Newburyport City Councilor Allison Heartquist, who represents Ward 1 and Plum Island, said, "This is good news for Plum Island and those concerned about erosion. I think it was good that our local representatives went to Washington last fall to press for financial support for the jetties."
Newbury Town Administrator Tracy Blais echoed Heartquist's sentiments. "We look forward to improvements that the project will bring," she said.
Photos taken from the air indicate that the flow of the Merrimack River slips over the south jetty, and the movement of that extra mass of water has added to the threat of beachfront erosion, according to municipal officials.
In addition, the collapse of the south jetty has meant the entrance of the river is increasingly difficult to navigate.
"This is great news," Newburyport harbormaster Paul Hogg said. "It will help with problems relating to erosion, and for our department, it will make things safer.
"Many people walk out on the jetty and are stranded there when high tide comes in. If the jetties are rebuilt so the water doesn't wash over, that will cut down on the number of rescues we have to make."
State lawmakers also expressed satisfaction.
"I want to thank Congressman Tierney for his tenacious efforts on behalf of this project," Sen. Steven Baddour, D-Methuen, said in a statement. "We must repair and maintain the jetty."
State Rep. Mike Costello, D-Newburyport, also said in a statement, "Repairs to the Plum Island jetty are a critical measure to help alleviate erosion problems on the beach and to protect homeowners in the area. I look forward to when the Army Corps begins its work."
