BARNSTABLE – A plan to move sand from Sampsons Island to Dead Neck has been approved.
The Barnstable Conservation Commission gave the go-ahead to the plan this week.
The project calls for moving about 400 feet of sand from Sampsons Island to Dead Neck in an effort to restore shorebird habitat, increase flood damage protection, and improve flushing into Cotuit Bay.
Some residents, however, were opposed to the plan, arguing it was meant to benefit wealthy homeowners.
“For folks who had a differing opinion, we respected their opinion, looked at their comments, and moved the project forward in a manner that we thought best served the environment and the people that use the island,” said Three Bays Preservation Executive Director Lindsey Counsell.
Counsell says the project will have numerous benefits, including increased boat navigation and safety in the Cotuit entrance channel and additional flood projection.
The project now needs state and federal permits.
