There are signs of slow progress on curbing erosion at Camp Ellis in Saco

MAINE PUBLIC • March 21, 2022

Stakeholders involved in efforts to protect Camp Ellis from continued and severe beach erosion met in Saco on Monday to discuss next steps for an infrastructure solution. There are some signs of slow progress. A 150-year-old jetty in the Saco River is blamed for amplifying wave energy and erosion that have scoured out the Camp Ellis beach and destroyed dozens of homes over several decades. Last year Saco officials asked the Army Corps of Engineers to revive negotiations over installing new infrastructure next to or near the jetty to dampen or weaken the most damaging waves. Meanwhile, the York County Commission is expected to consider a proposal to use federal recovery funds to buy a $1.8 million dredge system.