Bilbray Secures Funding for Beach Erosion

Washington D.C.--In a 308-114 vote yesterday, Congressman Brian Bilbray was successful in shining a light on the dangerous bluff erosion being experienced by Solana Beach and Encinitas that has already led to one fatality. The House of Representatives passed the Energy and Water Development and Appropriations Act, H.R. 3183, which allocates $305,000 to pre-construction, engineering and design of a protective barrier for the shoreline.

"Our shoreline is an incredible resource for the people of Solana Beach and Encinitas," said Congressman Bilbray. "There is no question that we want it to be a safe place for everyone in our community. The shoreline protection project is the right project to make sure this beautiful area is also a safe one."

The erosion of the bluffs along the coastline has been the cause of one fatality so far and has become a threat to a number of structures. The shore protection project will create a barrier between the bluffs and the open ocean intended to stop the erosion from further destruction of life or property. The Army Corps of Engineers is scheduled to complete a feasibility study during the 2009 fiscal year and the project will be ready to start the preconstruction, engineering and design phase in 2010. Both the City of Solana Beach and the City of Encinitas have publicly supported Congressman Bilbray in making this request.

The Energy and Water Development and Appropriations bill is expected to pass the Senate in the coming days and then be sent to the President to be signed into law.

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