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Coastal communities struggle to get beaches ready for summer

SANDWICH, Mass. — The long holiday weekend is just days away and many people will be hitting the beach, but when you get to your favorite spot you may be surprised with what you see.

Many people heading to Cape Cod are looking for the sand and surf. The surf won’t be an issue, but finding a sandy beach may surprise you.

All of the nor’easters hammered coastlines from the North Shore to the South Shore. Beach erosion is the biggest problem, and Gov. Charlie Baker has requested federal aid.

In March Baker noted in one request that damage from just one storm caused $24 million in damage.

In Sandwich, town officials spent $3 million a few years in order to build up the beaches by bringing in sand, but now the town manager said the winter storms washed it all away and they’re still paying that debt.

Not enough sand on the beaches puts homes at risk.

More than 2,000 homes were already damaged or destroyed by the nor’easters.

The boardwalk in Sandwich was damaged and 15 homes were affected.

Many coastal communities are still recovering and are working on getting their towns ready for the summer season, but warn visitors not to be surprised if the landscape looks different.

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