The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers anticipates that beach restoration for Surf City, Harvey Cedars and a portion of Brant Beach is not likely to commence before late summer or early fall of this year.
The Corps received notice this winter that supplemental federal appropriations are available to apply to several rehabilitation projects throughout the country, including these three sections of Long Beach Island. According to USACE Public Affairs Officer Steve Rochette, though, “We are still in the engineering and design phase for the repair work of the three sections. We don’t have construction funding yet so it’s difficult to forecast when any work may take place,” but it’s expected the work will not take place this spring or summer.
Contractor Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. completed beachfill operations in Holgate in late November, marking the conclusion of initial construction of LBI’s dune and berm system.
“The entire project area,” Rochette explained earlier this year, “is now eligible for the Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies program. The way this works: After a significant storm event, we conduct a damage assessment and determine whether the project is eligible based on certain criteria. This program is national and funds repairs to projects across the country, so if the project has been approved and if there’s adequate funding available, we would move forward to repair the project or portions of the project.”
Following storms in October 2015 and January 2016, Harvey Cedars, Surf City and the section of Brant Beach from 31st to 57th streets were deemed eligible for restoration; however, there was not adequate funding in the Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies program at the time.
While those three areas are now expected to see replenishment through the recently announced appropriations, the entirety of the project will continue to be evaluated on a routine, as well as post-storm, basis. —J.K.-H.