Project to repair Mass. jetty gets remaining funds

NEWBURY, Mass. (AP) -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers now has the remaining money it needs to repair the south jetty along Plum Island in Newbury.

On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. John Tierney announced that $5.5 million was included for the project in this year's federal Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, which Tierney supported.

Local residents have long advocated for repairs to the north and south jetties at the mouth of the Merrimack River, in order to stop beach erosion and build up sand in front of waterfront homes. Tierney said the recent winter storms have highlighted the urgency of the repairs for homeowners and nearby communities.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers got $3.5 million in federal emergency funds for the south jetty project last year.