During the Narragansett Town Council work session on October 21, 2024, significant concerns were raised regarding beach erosion and its impact on local management strategies. Council members discussed findings from a recent workshop led by Taylor, which revealed that the town has experienced an average loss of 21 feet of beach over the past decade. This trend indicates that both the beach and the dunes are shrinking rather than expanding.
The council identified the coordination with an upcoming dredging project as a critical challenge for the management of the town beach in the next two years. It was noted that the initial phase of the dredging project may not provide sufficient sand to replenish the beach. Future phases of dredging, contingent on funding and approval from permitting agencies, may be necessary to address the ongoing erosion issues.
The discussions highlighted the urgency of developing effective strategies to combat beach erosion and ensure the sustainability of the town's coastal resources. As the council moves forward, the focus will remain on how best to manage these challenges in collaboration with relevant projects and agencies.