New Jersey Shore Protection, Great Egg Harbor Inlet to Townsends Inlet, NJ

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: NJ-2

APPROPRIATION / PHASE: Construction, General

BUSINESS PROGRAM: Flood and Coastal Storm Damage Reduction

AUTHORITY: Section 1001 (30) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007

LOCATION: The project area extends approximately 16 miles from Great Egg Harbor Inlet to Townsends Inlet, and includes the municipalities of Ocean City, Upper Township, and Sea Isle City. An existing Federal beachfill extends along the northern and central portions of Ocean City, from Seaview Road to 34th Street.

DESCRIPTION: The study investigated flood and coastal storm damage effects with a view toward reducing impacts from coastal erosion and storms. The recommended plan calls for construction of a beach fill with a berm and dune along the study area oceanfront utilizing sand from an offshore borrow source and periodic nourishment for a period of 50 years.

PROJECT GOALS: The purpose of this project investigated hurricane and coastal storm damage effects with a view toward reducing impacts from coastal erosion and storms.

STATUS: Planning, Engineering and Design was completed in 2005.  Chief of Engineer’s Report was signed on 24 October 2006. The project was authorized in the 2007 Water Resources Development Act. The Record of Decision was signed on 18 October 2011. 

Initial construction of the project was completed in 2016. 

FY 2019 Work Plan funds are being used to complete the 2nd periodic nourishment. The contract was awarded in Sep 2019. Construction began in Nov 2019. Work in Strathmere and Southern Ocean City was completed in Jan 2020. Sea Isle City is scheduled to be completed in the Spring of 2020.