Delaware Beaches: A Bit Narrower This Year

REHOBOTH, Del. (AP) - Delaware beachgoers can expect narrower beaches this summer due to storms and high tides.
 
The Wilmington News Journalreports two nor'easters have affected Delaware beaches - one in early October, and a second hit in January with near-hurricane force winds, record-setting high tides and waves as tall as two-story buildings.
 
In a normal 3-year maintenance cycle, Delaware beaches receive an infusion of 360,000 cubic yards of sand a year. Army Corps spokesman Stephen Rochette says this year, an estimated 704,000 cubic yards is needed. He says it's unknown when sand pumping could start or whether there will be enough money to replace the additional sand lost.
 
Last month, Sen. Tom Carper asked corps officials if they could use money left over from Hurricane Sandy projects to help with coastal storm damage.