Hacks Point Shoreline
A firm that specializes in grant applications has shared the following:
Overview of existing site conditions, recommendations to address problems, examples of proposed solution on similar sites, and next steps
SHORELINE STABILZATION
The bank stabilization begins at the bottom of the bank along the water's edge to prevent the water from pounding away at the bank and eroding underneath the bank - that is what causes the top of the bank to begin to shift and weaken. The area between the beach and the pier steps is in immediate need of stabilization.
Existing conditions
• Community Association–owned private beach and park land on Bohemia River • Actively eroding bluffs (cliffs) covered in mostly invasive species. Dead and diseased trees that present a hazard to residents and guests or are damaging the shoreline.
• Existing shoreline protection= concrete rubble, bulkhead (sandy beach area), riprap groin
• North facing shoreline; moderate wave energy from Nor'easters and boat wakes
• Bottom is mix of sand and gravels; sandy beach exposed during low tide
• Stormwater pipe outfalls directly onto shoreline; stormwater runoff from streets causing erosion in some spots in lawn above cliff, likely also contributing to erosion of cliff face
• ADA wooden pier runs parallel to shoreline; wooden stairs from shoreline to park • Note: Observations based on site visit on 5-23-2023 during low tide
Recommendation for shoreline stabilization
• Shoreline stabilization is best achieved with living shoreline approach
• Offshore headlands constructed with boulders/cobble, planted with native vegetation & connected to shoreline with sand/ cobble tombolos
• Sand fill placed between headlands to create coves; headlands direct sand accretion within coves to build the beach
• High and low marsh vegetation planted to stabilize & create habitat; selectively planted to create open sandy pocket beaches within each cove
• The design can maintain wheelchair-accessible pier and shoreline access; maintain bulkhead/ beach area as community amenity
• Incorporate stormwater management into shoreline design (system of step pools meander down the bluff from the parkland and into the river)
How much does a living shoreline cost?
• It depends on the site conditions & project scope… no two projects are alike • A preliminary cost estimate can only be provided with a conceptual design • Costs of similar design/ build living shoreline projects & year built: • 2020: Kyle Point Living Shoreline $1.5 million
• 2019- 2021: Concord Point Living Shoreline and Stormwater Management $1.1 million • 2021: West River UMC Living Shoreline and Stormwater Management $2 million • 2022: anticipated 2024- Water Street Living Shoreline and Stormwater Management $6.2 million
Grant Application
• Communities and property owners are encouraged to (at a minimum) pay for the design/permitting phase of a project. Fully designed and permitted projects are much more competitive when seeking construction funding through grants. In addition, communities that contribute funding to a project are more likely to be awarded construction grants because it shows community buy-in and commitment to the project.
• Typically once a company is selected as the design/ build contractor for a project, they establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the community. After we choose a company , they in turn will work with our community on the next steps, including design development & grant applications.
• There are various grant opportunities for nature-based solutions with application deadlines throughout the year (MD DNR grant application typically closes in December; National Fish and Wildlife grant is biannual (spring/ fall))
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The total price of design and permitting is $80,855.68. This is what is needed to get the project ready for construction. Funding this amount in full will make your project the most likely to be awarded grant funding (though there are no guarantees).
You can commit to fund a portion of the total design and permitting budget if that is more feasible for the community. That portion could be all of Task 1 ($54,580.00) or about half of that amount (which would get the project up to a 30% design). We would then apply for grant funding to complete the design and permitting, then apply again for construction funding. It is possible that you would be awarded the additional funds that are required, but it will likely take more applications and therefore more years to move the project forward.
There are no guarantees that grant funds will be awarded. That being said, we have a very strong track record of obtaining grant funding for projects.
It generally takes several years (less, if the community financial commitment is significant) and requires funds from multiple agencies, but eventually the funds do come together in almost all cases.
Stormwater Management
County-owned stormwater pipe outfalls directly to River- stormwater runoff contaminates the river & contributes to erosion
• Stormwater inlet at the top of the cliff= opportunity to disconnect the pipe and create open conveyance using step pools
• Stormwater runoff is eroding parts of the park space, limiting recreational use by community members & threatening trees
"Additional options for Stabilization"
. Gabion Boxes
Groins
Rock Revetments (Riprap)
Concrete Bin Blocks
The above options "are not" grant worthy. However, they would be "Less Expensive."
