VPA Cuts Force Town to put 4th Breakwater on Hold

For several years, Cape Charles has been receiving matching grant funds from the Virginia Port Authority for projects ranging from the harbor breakwaters to dock and marina improvements. While the town did request the same amount from the VPA this year, due to several high profile projects in the works, the VPA only allocated $50k this year, effectively making the construction of a fourth breakwater impossible. With the Governor’s announcement this week regarding the $350-million-dollar expansion of Norfolk International Terminals, future funding could be effected.

Given the current fiscal reality, the Town has made the decision to defer the 4th breakwater and instead use the current funding for jetty rehabilitation. This project will increase the height by 2 feet. Coastal’s contracted price was about $313 per linear foot—current estimates are “$188,000, plus $20,000 for mobilization/demobilization, and an additioal $52,000 for permitting, design and engineering. The total cost will come in at $260,000. The Port Authority grants will cover $225,000 of the project cost, while the Town’s would cover $75,000 (vs. $231K budgeted) –from staff report.