Supervisors comment on two local waterway Issues

At this week’s Accomack County Board of Supervisors meeting, members raised concerns about local waterways and coastal infrastructure.

Supervisor Donald Hart warned that the possible closure of the Wachapreague Coast Guard Station could threaten access to the ocean. He said losing the station would also block dredging of Wachapreague Inlet — something he called essential for both tourism and the seafood industry. Hart and Supervisor Billy Joe Tarr, who both serve on the Navigable Waterways Committee, urged the county to fight to keep Coast Guard stations in Wachapreague and Chincoteague open. The Board voted to send letters to state and federal lawmakers pressing that case. Supervisor Jeff Parks added that there are concerns regarding to bayside creeks as well.

Supervisor Robert Crockett raised a different concern — that environmental restrictions tied to the northeastern tiger beetle could prevent Tangier Island from receiving dredged material needed to reinforce its western shoreline. Crockett asked the Board to reach out to Congresswoman Jen Kiggans and state officials to make sure Tangier can use the fill to protect the island from erosion. The Board vote unanimously to do so.

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