NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - Some Chesapeake Bay beaches will be getting more sand later this year.
The Virginian-Pilot reports the $18.4 million federal government project is part of funding earmarked following the 2012 Hurricane Sandy disaster. Norfolk's share in the project is $5.5 million.
Norfolk assistant city engineer Chuck Joyner says that while the goal of the Ocean View beach project is storm protection, the additional sand will provide more room for beachgoers.
About 7 miles of beaches between Little Creek inlet and Willoughby Spit will be widened by 60 feet starting in November. The 1.2 million cubic yards of sand will come from the bottom of a nearby shipping channel.
The project is a partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is expected to be completed by May 2016.
