Federal Funds Needed to Shore Up Our Beaches

Re “Beach-Erosion Funds Float Away,” April 29:

I read in dismay that the president’s proposed budget does not include critically needed funds to protect and preserve Orange County’s shoreline. Surfside Colony, which is part of the city of Seal Beach and is the starting point for much of the sand between Seal Beach and Newport Beach, suffers from perilous erosion.

At the present, some homes in Surfside have less that 15 feet between them and the pounding surf of the Pacific Ocean. The Times correctly identified the culprit of our eroding beach, the Naval Weapons Station jetty. I want to remind readers that Congress charges the Secretary of the Army with the duty of protecting the shoreline and waterways of America, but he can’t do that without money.

My phone rang off the hook with calls from all parts of the county, furious that funds for shoreline protection were again being cast aside. Seal Beach has always supported the Navy and its mission here. Some callers even went as far as to suggest petitioning for the closure of the weapons station and the removal of the jetty that is causing the erosion.

Now is the time for Orange County cities and businesses to call upon our congressional delegation for help to restore desperately needed funding to protect Orange County’s shoreline for our residents and the millions of visitors who flock here annually. Coastal Orange County depends upon beach-goers to support our local economy. We can’t be forced out of business because our beaches have disappeared.

Shawn Boyd

City Councilman,

Seal Beach