Carole Ridley, Project Coordinator, Herring River Restoration Project
Progress continues in the implementation of Phase 1 of the Herring River Restoration Project. Funding and environmental permits are in place for construction of all water control infrastructure and measures to protect structures on public and private property from any potential effects of Phase 1 tidal restoration.
Mill Creek Water Control Structure: The National Park Service (NPS) is expected to begin construction of the Mill Creek Water Control Structure before the end of 2023. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is providing the NPS with $8 million in funding for this project along with an additional $1.4 million from the National Park Foundation. The NPS issued a bid package for the structure in June 2023. The bid period closed on July 31 and announcement of a selected contractor is anticipated in the coming weeks.
Low Road Elevation and Culvert Replacement: Final design for elevation of low-lying roads and culvert replacements is progressing. The estimated bidding and construction start schedules have been revised to Summer 2024 (bidding) and Fall 2024/Winter 2025 (construction start) to allow ample time for completion of final design and competitive bidding, and to meet all applicable time-of-year restrictions. The revised estimated schedule will not alter the timeline for restoring tidal flow to the Herring River. Because flood mitigation work on four private properties is closely aligned with the timing of low-road work, the estimated schedule for installation of protective measures for private properties, including the Chequessett Club golf course, has also been revised to begin in late 2024.
Vegetation Clearing: Clearing of woody vegetation on an additional 40 acres in Duck Harbor is expected to resume in December 2023, for a total of 120 acres cleared. Additional clearing of approximately 60 acres woody vegetation is expected to take place in early 2024.