CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS: NJ-2
AUTHORITY: This project is authorized by Section 205 of the River and Harbor Act of 1962 (PL 87-874), as amended (Flood Damage Reduction). Section 205 provides authority for the Corps of Engineers to develop and construct small flood reduction projects. Each project is limited to a Federal cost of not more than $10 million, including all project related costs for feasibility studies, planning, engineering, design, and construction.
DESCRIPTION: The Sunset Avenue flood risk management study area is located in Atlantic City, Atlantic County, New Jersey. The study area is located on the southwest side of the city along the back bay and the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway (NJIWW). The study area extends from the intersection of Sunset Avenue and Atlantis Avenue, which is adjacent to the Atlantic City Expressway and the Atlantic City Train Station, to the intersection of Sunset Avenue and Albany Avenue (State Route 322). The area has an approximate length of 1 mile and extends for approximately 15 city blocks. Sunset Avenue runs directly adjacent to the back bay for portions of the study area, and in other areas residential structures, street ends, and recreational facilities lie alongside the water. The study area is primarily composed of low lying residential city streets. The area has historically experienced flooding problems which are increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity and are caused by the combined effects of tidal events and heavy precipitation during hurricanes and major nor'easters.
A Federal Interest Determination was completed by the District and approved by North Atlantic Division in FY 2014. Funds were received from the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013, Public Law 113-2, enacted to assist in the recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. A FCSA needs to be executed with a non-Federal sponsor to proceed with the feasibility phase.
The objectives of the Feasibility Phase of the project are to:
- Prepare the Feasibility Report for the project
- Prepare an Environmental Assessment and NEPA documentation for the project,
- Prepare a Project Management Plan (PMP) for the Design and Implementation Phase,
- Develop other supporting plans (e.g. Real Estate Plan, Value Engineering, etc.) as needed for completion of the Feasibility Report.
CHALLENGES: One of the technical challenges faced with the project is formulating cost-effective flood protection alternatives that are compatible with highly developed backbay shorelines. Some of the less costly alternatives may not be feasible because they require a large footprint or would interfere with existing infrastructure (docks, marinas, piers, etc). Structural options such as bulkheads, revetments, etc. could be cost prohibitive over entire project reaches.
HURRICANE SANDY: Hurricane Sandy impacted the community of Atlantic City in the vicinity of Sunset Avenue. Response and Recovery efforts by the Community was the top priority for the non-Federal sponsor. Efforts are shifting to the long-term sustainability of Atlantic City.
POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS: Potential solutions to the issue include flood walls, vinyl bulkhead, wooden bulkhead, flood-proofing, flood warning and or evacuation of damage elements. These solutions will be evaluated in the feasibility phase.
SPONSOR: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
DATE OF PROJECT AGREEMENT: TBD
PROJECT MANAGER: Jane Jablonski, P.E.