Blunt Rochester Introduces Bill to Improve Coastal Barrier Map Accuracy, Protecting Homeowners and Natural Resources

Statement

Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL) joined Senator Tom Carper and Senator Chris Coons in introducing legislation to adjust the boundary of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) map unit for North Bethany Beach, Delaware. This legislation would implement a recommendation made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) following its discovery during the recent digital mapping pilot project of the North Bethany Beach unit. The unit, which encompasses the South Shore Marina development, was included by mistake when the map was created in 1990. This change to the map can only be made through Congressional action. View the bill here.

"I am proud to stand with Senator Carper and Senator Coons in introducing this important bill to amend the Coastal Barrier Resource Act map for Delaware," said Congresswoman Blunt Rochester. "Our coastline is one of our state's most cherished resources because of its vibrant ecosystem and role as an economic engine that powers growth and tourism. That's why it is critical for us to use updated technology to draw the right boundaries and make this technical fix to the coastal barrier map to balance the needs of the environment with ensuring our neighbors have access to important federal benefits. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to ensure swift action on this issue for the communities affected."

"Representative Blunt Rochester's legislation makes fiscal sense and protects critical habitat, making it a win-win for people and ecosystems," said Dr. Karen Hyun, National Audubon Society Vice President of Coasts. "This bill would add 814 acres of beaches, islands, wetlands, and waters to America's Coastal Barrier Resources System. With sea level rise threatening Delaware's coast, and more deadly storms likely to strike our shores, removing taxpayer dollars for ecologically harmful development is the smart thing to do."

Source