U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Updates Work Plan For Hatteras Breach Closure & Schedule Changes
Release Date: October 9, 2003
Release Number: 1490-42
» More Information on North Carolina Hurricane Isabel
Raleigh, NC -- Following briefings earlier this week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NC DOT) and NC Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, Emergency Management Division, and the US Army Corps of Engineers have made work plan changes and schedule adjustments to a project to close a breach caused by Hurricane Isabel on Hatteras Island.
The contractor, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, foresaw lengthy delays in the originally proposed pipeline routes, and asked for a new route to be identified. This has been done, and permits have been re-coordinated and modified to establish a route further west. "This new route minimizes the amount of submerged pipeline needed to deliver sand to the breach," said project manager Wayne Bissette of the Corps-Wilmington District.
The current expectation is that the Corps will complete its portion of the project in early to mid-November. NC DOT will then replace the roadway.
While the contract cost is still not final, the current estimate for costs of the project are expected to be significantly higher than the $2.65 million originally allocated by FEMA. The federal government will pay 75 percent of the cost and the State of North Carolina 25 percent. Changes have been made in the project design to replace a pre-storm protective dune in addition to simply closing the breach. The originally estimated 400,000 cubic yards of sand required has been changed to 600,000 to 700,000.
"When we issue a letter contract in an emergency situation, we are working with a very rough estimate," explained Bissette. "Now we have a much clearer idea what is to be constructed, the contractor's equipment and capabilities, and site conditions. In a longer-term project process, these matters would be ironed out prior to contract award. In this situation, the contractor is already at work doing everything possible while the remaining features of the project are finalized."
At this time, the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, the Corps' contractor, is moving shore pipe off barges and into position, and assembling pipe that will be submerged. Other equipment is en route from Texas. The dredge "Illinois" is on site.
"This is a complex project on a tight timeline," said Col. Ray Alexander, Commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District. "I am giving it my personal attention. I have put my top people on it. I am confident that we will complete the project quickly. The Corps appreciates this opportunity to serve the critical needs of the people of North Carolina."
For more information about hurricane preparedness and recovery and specific information about Isabel, visit the FEMA website at www.fema.gov.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 10-Oct-2003 08:31:40