State Funds Garvan Point Seawall Repair With $770,000 Grant

MADISON, CT — A $770,000 state bond commission grant is earmarked to help cover the cost to replace the Garvan Point seawall in an effort to prevent beach and facilities erosion from waves and storms, local legislators announced.

The money will be used specifically to replace the failing steel sheet pile bulkhead and sloping stone retaining wall that helps protect the beach from erosion, according to a joint news release from state Sen. Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) and state Rep. John-Michael Parker (D-Madison).

"I am thrilled that we've been able to secure funding for this critical project at the heart of Madison. Fortifying and rebuilding Garvan Point is a necessary next step to combat climate change along our shoreline," Parker said.

Parker, Cohen and Madison First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons and others advocated for the funding.

"With these funds, we will ensure that our Surf Club remains safe and secure—and a source of pride and joy for many years to come,” Parker said. “A big thanks to First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons and our stellar team in Madison's municipal government for partnering with us to get this done.”

Lyons noted the bulkhead repair at Garvan Point is “very necessary.”

"Garvan Point, which is located at the town’s municipally-owned Surf Club Beach and recreation facility, is one of Madison’s crown jewels and serves as an important outdoor, multi-generational community gathering place,” Lyons said. “Repairing this bulkhead will help us create a more resilient coastline by protecting this facility from increased coastal flooding and storm events."

Cohen thanked Lyons and “local friends” for “recognizing the importance in addressing these coastal resiliency issues.”

"For decades to come, sea-level rise and the increasing number of hurricanes brought about by global climate change is going to be a challenge for Madison and for many coastal communities in Connecticut. Fortunately, the State of Connecticut is committed to partnering with towns and helping where it can to protect our environment and to invest in our communities," Cohen said, adding her thanks to “the governor and the State Bond Commission for seeing the value in this project.”