Dear Editor:

I am writing in support of the Hendrick's Head Beach Restoration Project, which will be presented for voter approval on July 1 at 6 p.m. The project proposes raising the height of the current seawall, and enlarging the culvert under the parking lot in order to allow seawater to more naturally flow into the marsh with the tide. As a climate adaptation professional myself, I can attest that this approach is consistent with best practices for coastal restoration in the context of sea level rise and it will also save the Town of Southport money because there will be far less damage to the road and parking lot in future storms. With the intensity of coastal storms increasing and higher seas, there is no question that the cost of maintaining the road will rise over time and the neighbors' access to their houses will be affected more frequently. We have a one-time opportunity to receive a grant for more than $1 million from the federal government for this project, and the State of Maine may well provide additional funds to limit the cost to taxpayers.

This project is a good idea even in the absence of this major financial incentive, but it would be crazy to walk away from this opportunity even if there is a taxpayer contribution required. As a taxpayer myself I am happy to see our money used for pro-active adaptation rather than waiting for the inevitable next round of damage.

Kathy Jacobs

Southport