Posted on March 9, 2026
Dredging has begun in the Saco River.
The two-week project started this week, with sand from the Saco River being used to reinforce the beach at Camp Ellis. An Ellicott dredging machine owned by York County is being used to take sand from the river. The sand is being transported through a pipeline that runs from the Camp Ellis pier, down Eastern Avenue and to Camp Ellis beach.
The dredge machine was purchased by the county in 2022, using $1.54 million of federal ARPA funds. The project is being conducted by Michels Construction through a contract with the county.
The dredge project will provide 1200 cubic yards of beach replenishment to Camp Ellis Beach. The cost of the project is $600,000. FEMA will cover 75 percent of the cost, York County Emergency Management Agency will cover 15 percent, and the City of Saco will cover 10 percent. The City of Saco is also paying $300,000 to fund an additional 6,000 cubic yards of beach nourishment.
A dredge machine owned by York County dredges sand from the Saco River on Thursday.
Eastern Avenue is closed to local traffic only while the work is being conducted. Residents can use the Huot’s Seafood Restaurant parking lot during this time, if needed.
Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.
