News & Updates 

Following Hurricane Sandy, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District received funding and approval to restore previously built sections of the Absecon Island Coastal Storm Risk Management project to full design level. Work involved pumping 1.3 million cubic yards of sand onto the oceanfront beaches of Atlantic City and Ventnor City as well as subsequent work on dune crossovers, sand fencing and dune grass planting. Work was completed in December of 2013.  The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection worked to acquire the necessary real estate to construct the remainder of the Absecon Island project, which includes building a dune and berm system in southern Ventnor, Margate and Longport as well as constructing a bulkhead and revetment at the northern end of Atlantic City. 

USACE advertised a contract to complete the beachfill on August 31st and expects to award the contract in the fall of 2016. Work could begin in the early winter timeframe. 

Project Background

The Absecon Island project is designed to reduce storm damages to homes and infrastructure from the waves, high tides and storm surges associated with these events. The communities along the New Jersey shoreline have suffered significant storm damages from nor’easters and hurricanes and are at risk to suffer further damages from coastal storms. The health and productivity of a coastal community and its beachfront are linked. This project will not only act to reduce the damages to the oceanfront infrastructure, but will protect the island from devastating erosion and damage. In turn, this will help the communities continue to thrive as a destination for beach patrons, surfers, fishermen, and wildlife enthusiasts.

Project Authority

Construction of the Brigantine Inlet to Great Egg Harbor Inlet, Absecon Island New Jersey Storm Damage Reduction Project, is authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 1996. A Project Cooperation Agreement to construct the project was signed July 2003 with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Completed Work on Absecon Island

In 2004, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Philadelphia District and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection completed initial construction at Atlantic City and Ventnor City. Periodic nourishment is scheduled for a 3 year cycle. The first full-scale renourishment of the project was completed in the summer of 2012 prior to Hurricane Sandy. 

Additionally, in 2009, severe nor’easter events damaged portions of the constructed project. In June 2011, with funds from the Flood Control & Coastal Emergency, (FCCE), program, the Philadelphia District completed an emergency repair of the Atlantic City and Ventnor City beaches to the prestorm conditions. Following Hurricane Sandy, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers received funding and approval to complete a full restoration of the project to its initial design level. Work was completed in 2013.