Now that a $12.5 million contract has been awarded to an Illinois dredge company,  a Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach replenishment project  is set to begin this fall.

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary John A. Hughes announced Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004 that the contract for the Rehoboth-Dewey Beach replenishment project has been awarded to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. of Oak Brook, Ill. by the Department of the Army, Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia Office.

The contract award is the culmination of years focused on replenishment of Delaware’s eroded beaches.

"This project is another example of the work that can be achieved through a successful partnership between our state and federal governments," Gov. Ruth Ann Minner said. "It's gratifying to see this move forward after 10 years worth of dedication and hard work from everyone involved."

“I’m delighted with the selection of Great Lakes,” Hughes said. "We’ve worked with this company in the past and were very pleased with their skills and the results. Now that we’ve settled the easements with property owners and this contract has been awarded, we can look forward to having this much anticipated beach enhancement project move forward.”

Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company was awarded the contract on a bid of
$12.5 million, which includes three options totaling 450,000 cubic yards
of additional sand that increases the total sand volume to 2,120,000 cubic
yards.

“The bid price is actually lower than the estimated cost for the project which is very welcome and allows us to add the additional sand to the beach that will provide an even higher level of storm protection and recreational beach width,” added Secretary Hughes. “This is a great achievement that results from a concerted effort by Gov. Minner, our congressional delegation, our partners at the Corps of Engineers and the DNREC team who have worked diligently together for the last decade to reach this point.”

According to Tony Pratt, DNREC’s Shoreline and Waterway Management administrator, the total project includes, in addition to the beachfill, dune crossovers for pedestrians, vehicle dune crossovers for service vehicles, dune grass planting and fencing. “This is a complete package that will give a new face to Dewey and Rehoboth beaches,” Pratt said.