Prime Hook To Receive Federal Funding for Superstorm Sandy Repair

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Puts Delaware Refuge on List

Governor Jack Markell expressed appreciation Thursday for the inclusion of the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge breaches on a list of projects to be supported by federal funding for Superstorm Sandy repair.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has announced that it will use part of $68.5 million allocated by Congress to “build a low dune that was destroyed by Sandy as the first phase of a large restoration project.” The full description of projects, including the Prime Hook breach repair, can be found at http://www.fws.gov/hurricane/sandy/projects.html. The Service has not yet detailed how much money will be used for restoring Prime Hook.

“For more than a year and especially since Sandy, the state, with tremendous support from Delaware’s congressional delegation, has been urging the Fish & Wildlife Service to close the breaches at Prime Hook, a move necessary to protect the community and protect the marsh,” Gov. Markell said. “With the passage of funding by Congress for restoration projects within federal refuges, and the designation by the Fish & Wildlife Service of Prime Hook as one of the places that we will receive that funding, we are closer to finally addressing the issue.”

The Governor said he would continue to work with Sen. Carper, Sen. Coons and Rep. Carney to secure funds for Prime Hook and for other Sandy-repair projects in Delaware.

“Since Superstorm Sandy hit Delaware’s shores, causing damage to its coastline among other parts of the state, one of my top priorities has been to see these damaged areas restored,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “I am pleased that Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is among the list of areas slated for repair so that this critical habitat can be restored and stabilized.”

“Superstorm Sandy significantly worsened the existing problems caused by the breaches at Prime Hook,” said Congressman Carney. “This funding will be an important step toward reaching a comprehensive, long-term solution that is in the best interest of both residents and the refuge.”