YORK – A stabilization project along the York River shoreline has received $11.2 million from the Great American Outdoors Act. The Colonial National Historical Park made the announcement at the end of February. The money will go toward repairing a three-mile stretch of the Colonial Parkway from Felgate’s Creek to northwest of the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown pier.
While there has been erosion along much of the shoreline, it is particularly bad on that stretch, threatening key archeological sites and the stability and alignment of the parkway.
Sections of the shoreline have suffered major erosion in the past few years because of the increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes, storm surges, and tidal events. The project will protect shoreline slopes from stormwater runoff above and undercutting from the river below.
“The project eliminates a hazard that threatens the safety of park visitors and resources,” Colonial National Historical Park Superintendent Jerri Marr said in a press release. “It will allow us to reduce bank erosion, improve storm resiliency, and reinforce safe recreational access along portions of the York River.”
Work includes adding rock to increase the revetment height, installing new rock sills and breakwaters, and enhancing or adding wetland and marsh habitat. The project will save $8.2 million in maintenance and repair needs, create nearly 150 jobs, and contribute $31.4 million to the nation’s economy.
According to the release, more than 3.1 million visitors attended the park in 2021, contributing $337 million to the local economy.
Coastal Design and Construction, based in Gloucester, has been selected to do the repair work.
The construction is expected to take almost a year-and-a-half. Some pullouts along the route might be closed during that time.