Posted on March 9, 2026
By Russ Reed
SACO, Maine — Dredging operations on the Saco River began in earnest on Wednesday at Camp Ellis.
A total of 7,200 cubic yards of sand will be moved from the riverbed to fortify Camp Ellis Beach against severe storms and coastal flooding.
The sand pipeline corridor runs from the Camp Ellis boat launch through the parking lot and down Eastern Avenue toward the beach before dropping over the rocks ahead of the 90-degree turn in Eastern Avenue.
Two-way traffic will continue to flow on North Avenue for the duration of the project, which is scheduled to conclude on March 15, but Eastern Avenue will be open to resident traffic only.
Saco officials said impacted residents have been notified directly, and Huot’s Seafood Restaurant is partnering with the city to provide alternative parking for homeowners and tenants who are affected by the temporary pipeline.
Boaters should expect activity in the channel and officials are asking all to use caution when traveling through the work area.
The dredging project marks the second use of the York County-owned dredge, which was used in Wells Harbor last month. The dredge was purchased by the county in 2022 with $1.54 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Officials said the dredging operations in Saco and Wells are being funded primarily through a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program following the reported $110 million in damage to protective dunes and beaches across the York County coast during the devastating coastal storm on Jan. 13, 2024.
For the first 1,200 cubic yards of sand, FEMA will cover 75%, the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will cover 15% and Saco will cover 10%. City officials said Saco has opted to independently fund an anticipated additional 6,000 cubic yards of sand for further beach fortification.
Saco officials have encouraged community members who have questions about the dredge to call Harbormaster David Pendleton at 207-468-3147.
