Van Hollen, Alsobrooks Secure $20 Million in Federal Funding for Ocean City Beach Replenishment

On August 14, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) visited Ocean City's beachfront to highlight the $20 million federal investment he, along with Senator Angela Alsobrooks, secured in Congress to replenish the beach and protect the shoreline. This project, led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), will widen the beach and create a buffer against storms and erosion, protecting homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.

"Ocean City's beach is a destination for Marylanders and out-of-state visitors alike, making it an important economic driver for the region. It's critical that we not only protect the beach from erosion, but that we also restore the shoreline to protect local communities from flooding and extreme weather. Businesses and livelihoods that depend on Ocean City's beach must continue to thrive, and that's why we worked to secure $20 million in federal funding for Ocean City's beach replenishment. With these federal funds, we will be able to restore and expand the shoreline, helping to ensure that Ocean City can continue to be a destination point and the economic driver that it is," said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

"We need to do all we can to protect Maryland communities, homes, and businesses from storms and erosion. That's why I am proud to partner with Senator Van Hollen in investing $20 million of federal funding to replenish Ocean City's shoreline and beaches. Replenishing this shoreline will create a critical buffer to better protect the homes and businesses of Ocean City," said Senator Alsobrooks.

"More than just a location where summer memories are made, the beaches of Ocean City are also a critical line of defense for the lives and livelihood of the community. By blending vital engineering with strong federal, state, and local partnerships, this project safeguards our community and ensures Ocean City remains strong, resilient, and safe for generations to come," said Colonel Francis B. Pera, Baltimore District Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Senator Van Hollen, along with then-Senator Ben Cardin, also helped secure $11.1 million in federal funding for the last replenishment in 2022 through the Fiscal Year 2021 USACE Work Plan.