Latest from the Army Corps website
April 8th, 2008

SACO RIVER AND CAMP ELLIS BEACH, SACO – The New England District, in response to a request from the city of Saco and state of Maine, is undertaking a study under the authority of Section 111 of the River and Harbor Act of 1968 to find a remedy to the ongoing erosion of Camp Ellis Beach. The Corps meets periodically with state and city officials and local interests to discuss ongoing computer modeling efforts being conducted by the Woods Hole Group (WHG) under contract to the Corps. The models are examining effects of coastal structures on wave climate, currents and erosion. Initial modeling and evaluation of alternatives determined that a spur jetty, an offshore breakwater, a combination of thespur jetty and breakwater, or T-head groins offered the best protection. However, with identification of soft clay under a large portion of the study area, the offshore breakwater was not feasible and additional breakwater alignments situated closer to shore were evaluated. Additional subsurface investigations were completed in 2005, and the results were used to develop and model additional alternatives.

The results of these efforts were provided to the sponsor, state and public in January 2006. These efforts indicated that a plan involving a 750-foot long spur jetty and periodic beach fill was the optimal Federal plan. Local interests prefer a plan for a 500-foot spur jetty and two or more near shore breakwaters that requires less frequent periodic beach fill. Modeling of this locally preferred plan has been completed and has been reviewed by the city and the state. As this project will exceed the $5 million statutory cap under Section 111 authority, Congress provided specific authority in the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 to exceed this limitation. This Act authorized a maximum Federal expenditure of $26,900,000 for work under Section 111 at Camp Ellis. Fiscal year 2008 activities will include completion of design efforts, and preparation of a decision document and environmental assessment (EA).

The decision document will require review and approval by the Corps’ North Atlantic Division before release for public review. The Corps and city anticipate beginning the Federal and state regulatory approval process for the project during the fall of 2008. Once environmental approvals are secured for the final proposal, and Congressional funding for the project is received, then preparation of plans and specifications would be completed. A construction contract would then be sought in the subsequent two to three fiscal years. The last effort under this project will include beach nourishment of Camp Ellis Beach.

April 6th, 2008
Big Doings in Camp Ellis!

Kellie and I were up at the house this weekend to open up, and noticed a very large crane on Surf Street (Road?).  Wandering over, we found that the Hardman's appear to be rebuilding.  The photo shows the pilings in place.  We wanted to take a moment to wish them well and hope that the new place is built as well as the old, and that our efforts to fix the erosion problem will stop anyone else from going through the heartache of losing their home to a storm.

Webcam and Website are back online
Sorry for the delay in getting the camera replaced.  This project has taken a lot more time and energy than I had planned!  The view that is online now is using the "old" camera that gives a fixed live video feed.  Although it doesn't pan left to right as the other did, it's easier to use and won't burn out when left running on auto-pan!

I expect to replace the camera soon with 2 new cameras that will allow a view of the Jetty on one and the shoreline toward Ferry Beach on the other.  I am looking into options now, and hope to have them purchased, mounted and operational by the end of April or so.

All the best!

February 3, 2008
Saco Bay Marina Project moving forward

Take the time to read this article.  The Saco Bay area is going to have a large commercial marina placed smack in the middle.  Any thoughts on this, for or against?  Article here.

February 1, 2008
OOB wants rights to Saco Bay

The City of Saco currently owns (and controls) the watery real estate from Biddeford to Scarborough.  This includes "land" from the beachfront to the International boundary 3 miles out to sea.  Old Orchard Beach state Representative George Hogan has introduced a bill to move the city boundary from it's current position, located 1000 feet off the beach oat OOB to some currently undisclosed position, assumable further south. 

Bill Danton, a local businessman, in an "interesting" business deal, has leased all of the waters in the bay from our former Mayor, Mark Johnston for 100 years.  His plan for a 200 slip commercial marina has OOB and Scarborough (rightfully, I feel) concerned.  My understanding at this time is that the lease gives Danton control over commercial activities in the Bay, and he plans to develop the marina to service large, ocean going vessels; cruise ships and the like, I am guessing.  Real estate laws usually allow that an in-place lease will run with the property, meaning that even if the bill became law, Danton would remain in control of the waters.

I am not sure how this bill would affect the Army Corps of Engineers work, as I don't have a lot of information on this, so I'll withhold comment for now, but residents and property owners in Camp Ellis, Ferry Beach and anyone else who owns waterfront property in Saco Bay should read this article, and get as knowledgeable as they can about the proposed bill. 

If you have information on this issue, or would like to chat about it, feel free to post a message in the Guest Book and we can discuss.

Tim

January 27, 2008
The camera is down!

I have received a number of emails over the past few days stating that the camera is unavailable.  I was up there this past weekend and tried to get it working, but no luck.  This is the second time the camera has failed.  The first was due to the Patriot's Day storm. Not sure what the problem is this time.

I will place a call this week to get a replacement camera, but it might be a few weeks before it comes in and the weather cooperates enough to get me on a 20 foot ladder to replace it!

I'll let you know as soon as I have the new camera and it's back up and running.

Tim

November 26, 2007
An open letter from Congressman Tom Allen

Click here to read a letter sent to Tom's constituents (and a few special folks "from away")!
 

November 11, 2007
Meeting with Congressman Tom Allen (News Story Here)
I'd like to thank Congressman Tom Allen, our newly elected Mayor  Ron Michaud, new City Councilor for Ward 4 Sandy Bastille and everyone else for a great meeting on Saturday, November 10th.  We had a good turnout for such short notice, with about 40 people attending.  Congressman Allen spoke about the passing of WRDA into law, and the effect that has on authorizing the work to be done by the Army Corps.  He feels confident that an appropriations bill will be signed in 2008 and the work will begin sometime in 2009.  I know this seems like a long way off, but this is the closest we have ever been to a resolution of the problems we face with beach erosion. 

Mayor Ron Michaud stated the he will continue to work with both the city management, state and federal authorities to move forward with finding ways to make this happen.  Ron has been working with SOS since its beginnings in 1990 or so, working to find a solution to the problems we face.  Sandy Bastille will be our voice in the city, and as a founding member of SOS has always been a strong leader of the SOS cause. 

We wish both Ron and Sandy much success in their new roles.

I have to gather my notes and thoughts, and will try to post more tonight sometime.  In the meantime, I believe WCSH and the Journal Tribune were in attendance, and my have stories this weekend.  As always, if you see a news story on TV or in the paper, drop me a  line at tim@campellisbeach.com so I can let others know about it here.

Thanks again to all who were able to attend.  Special thanks as always to the Wormwoods for offering us the use of Wormwoods Restaurant for our meetings.

November 8, 2007
VERY GOOD NEWS!!  The Senate has overridden the WRDA veto by a vote of 79-14.  The Water Resources Development Act is now LAW for the first time in 7 years!

The next step is to acquire funding.  I'll try to outline that as soon as I can get my thoughts together.

Senate to Take Up Override Vote
Senator Inhofe, one of the proponents of WRDA, speaks to the Senate, urging the over ride vote of the Presidents Veto.  Should this vote pass, the bill will become law.  Read his speech here.  This is actually a great "what's next" article as well. The US Senate is scheduled to vote as early as today to override the veto of WRDA.  Watch the news and my comments here for more as it becomes available.

November 6, 2007
Election Results

Congratulations to Sandy Bastille, Councilor for Ward 4 (that's us, folks)

Congratulations to Ron Michaud, the new Mayor of the City of Saco, Maine!

Our new Mayor, Ron Michaud,  and our new City Councilor, Sandy Bastille, will have a lot to do with our ability to get funding for the ongoing maintenance of the work that the Army Corps will do under WRDA.  Sandy Bastille will represent us to the city and will play an important role  for the residents of Camp Ellis, Ferry Beach and the entire SOS community.  As the Mayor, Ron's familiarity with our situation and backing of finding a sensible resolution will help move things along as well. Again, congratulations, Ron and Sandy.  We look forward to working with you both!

November 6, 2007
House over rides WRDA veto
The House today voted by a huge margin (361-54) to override the Presidents veto of the Water Resources Development Act.  It is now up to the Senate to override the veto as well.  If the Senate follows suit, the bill will be passed into law.  I will post more information tomorrow night, as the Senate is scheduled to vote on Wednesday.  I'll also try to explain the next steps as I understand them.

November 3, 2007
Storm Noel
Noel thankfully hasn't lived up to the threat we were concerned about.  We are just out of high tide, and as far as I can tell from here, we are all intact.  Can't see Surf Street from here, but the waves and wind haven't been the worst we've seen.  Best to all.

November 2, 2007
President Bush Vetoes Water Bill
As promised, President Bush has vetoed the Water Resources Development Act bill (WRDA) on the last day that the option was available to him.  Both the House and Senate are promising to act to override the veto, and if the original vote numbers remain intact, they will have the votes needed to do so.  All news I am finding points to an override vote on Tuesday by the House, followed on Wednesday by the Senate.

Although it is easy to blame Bush for vetoing the bill, my thoughts are that fault truly lies with Congress.  The House version of the bill was $13b and the Senate was $15b.  Congress and the subcommittee that handles these things did the most logical thing and compromised...  The bill was sent to the President at 23 billion dollars.

Don't get me wrong.  I hope that Congress overrides the veto.  The original bill(s) are necessary and I am sure were well thought out. The "extras" that caused the veto are wrong.  This is a problem that Congress has brought upon itself, and by doing so, possibly doomed Camp Ellis and Ferry Beach to lose more family homes.

October 25, 2007
Sandy Bastille for Ward 4 Councilor
Sandy Bastille. one of the founding members of SOS, and certainly the most tireless when it comes to Camp Ellis and the erosion issues we face, is running for Ward 4 City Councilor.  Ward 4 is the largest ward in the city, beginning at the corner of Ferry Road and Old Orchard Road (actually encompassing Glenwood Ave) running out to the rotary near the 7-11 store, and bordered by the Saco River and the Atlantic Ocean.  It is my understanding that Ward 4 supplies nearly 2/3 of the city's tax base.  I have known Sandy for 15 years.  If you want your voice heard, Sandy is the person you want carrying the bullhorn.

October 24, 2007
Michaud vs. Tripp in Mayoral Race
Regarding the Camp Ellis and Ferry Beach area and the erosion problems, Ron Michaud states “This has been a huge issue ever since I joined the council in 1993. We are still looking for a reasonable and equitable solution.”.  I have spoken with and heard Ron speak a number of times at various meetings and, if I were able to vote in Maine, would cast my ballot for him regardless of his positive stand for our cause.  You can read the article here.

October 24, 2007
WRDA bill has hit the President's desk
The WRDA bill (HR 1495) is now awaiting a signature (or veto).  The veto-clock is 10 days.  Mr. Bush must sign or veto the bill within 10 working days of receiving the bill.  If there is no action taken by the President in that timeframe, the bill becomes law.  President Bush has stated through spokespersons that he will not sign the bill.  Congress feels that this bill has enough backing to be passed by an over ride vote of Congress.

Now, we wait  (again)...

October 23, 2007
Well, another article has hit the news about Camp Ellis.  
This article, such as it is, appears in The Portland Press Herald on Tuesday, October 23 2007 and was written by Seth Harkness.  This story is written based on an interview done with Joseph Kelley,  a former state geologist, now a college professor at the University of Maine in Orono who is "skeptical of the Army Corps plans".  Seth contacted me at noon to discuss the story.  I spoke with him a bit, then asked him to contact Sandy Bastille and Rick Michaud, the two most knowledgeable people I could think of to help tell our side of the story.  Sandy was contacted and talked with Seth.  I haven't heard if Rick was interviewed or not, but the article shows no evidence that Mr. Harkness spoke to anyone from the SOS or Shoreline Commission.  My comments on the article itself were (surprisingly) posted however, so I feel there is at least some balance. Keep an eye on the local news and newspapers.  Let me know if you see anything that needs to be shared!  Read the "story" here: Herald Article October 23, 2007

October 11th, 2007
New bumper sticker / window decals available!
Kellie has designed two new vehicle window decals for SOS. .  They are modeled after the popular oval airport designator stickers, with SAVE CAMP ELLIS BEACH and SAVE FERRY BEACH in bold letters, along with the website address.  They will be available by email here for $3 each or 2 for $5 which just covers our costs. Be sure to include a mailing address.  We'll reply with payment information.
Images are available here

October 9, 2007
Still waiting for WRDA to get to the Presidents desk....
As of this morning, the WRDA bill is still sitting in limbo.  The problem seems to be that SCHIP, the Children's Healthcare Initiative, was vetoed, and is now being bounced around through the legislature, looking for an override vote. It seems only one bill can be worked through the channels at a time.  The words "walk and chew gum" come to mind...

More when I have it...
Tim

September 25, 2007
I am sad to pass on the news that Norman Bettley, aka "Normie" or "Stormin' Norman", passed away this morning.  Normie owned the small cottage with the blue roof (The Blue Fish) on Bay Ave. I do not have any details as yet, but will post the service announcement here when I get them.

September 24, 2007
Finally!  At 5:51PM on Monday, September 24, 2007, the Senate has voted on H.R. 1495, the Water Resources Development Act, and it has passed!

What this means is this;  the bill now goes to the President for his signature.  I am not sure of the timing, but I would guess that an answer as to whether President Bush will sign the bill into law or not will come relatively quickly.  My understanding is that he has said he would veto it because of the high price tag, but members of the Senate have stated that a bipartisan override veto awaits the bill if it comes back unsigned.

I wanted to get this out to everyone quickly, and I will add more information as I find it.  If you have any insights on the process, please contact me.

Tim