Lawmakers want structures to keep shoreline sand from washing away

State lawmakers said coastal regulators should allow waterfront communities to build permanent structures to keep shoreline sand from washing away.

The State Senate voted to give the Coastal Resources Commission authority to grant construction of what is called a terminal groin. Such a structure entraps sand, keeping the shoreline intact and preventing sand from clogging the inlet.

The commission has banned such structures since 1985 to prevent risky waterfront building.

The bill now goes to the House.