U.S. Senator Susan Collins has announced the allocation of $23 million to the Maine Army Corps of Engineers for erosion prevention at Camp Ellis in Saco. The funding is part of the Fiscal Year 2025 full-year continuing resolution and will support the construction of a 750-foot spur jetty, along with replenishing approximately 300,000 cubic yards of sand fill.
"The construction of a spur jetty at Camp Ellis will help to prevent the severe erosion that has destroyed dozens of residents’ homes over generations," stated Senator Collins. "As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to secure this funding, which will help to resolve this problem, protect property, and restore the receding shoreline."
Jodi MacPhail, Mayor of Saco, expressed gratitude: "On behalf of the City of Saco, we cannot be more thankful for the hard work and dedication to Senator Collins for securing these funds. She has been a never-ending advocate in our partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers to secure our jetty in an attempt to protect our shoreline and all the residents who live there."
John Bohenko, Saco City Administrator, also acknowledged Senator Collins' efforts: "The City of Saco is very appreciative of Senator Collins’ hard work in releasing funding for the Camp Ellis project; now as a community we can look and move forward."
Historically, more than 150 years ago, a jetty was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers extending from the Saco River adjacent to Camp Ellis Beach. It was expanded in the 1950s but altered currents and sand deposition patterns significantly. This alteration is primarily responsible for severe erosion at Camp Ellis that resulted in washing away 38 homes. By 1998, the shoreline had receded 400 feet from its position in 1908.
