The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District is working on the St. Johns County, Florida. Coastal Storm Risk Management Project draft feasibility study and environmental assessment.
The study team, consisting of federal, state and local agency officials, assessed the feasibility of providing federal coastal storm risk management measures to portions of St. Johns County’s shoreline. Specific problems in the study area include storm damages due to erosion, inundation, and waves threatening infrastructure, natural habitat and recreational opportunities.
Shoreline erosion severely threatens State Road A1A, the only north-south hurricane evacuation route for communities along the coastline. SR A1A is an integral part of the county’s infrastructure and is essential for public safety prior to, during and after major storm event.
The St. Johns County shoreline is approximately 42 miles long. The Corps of Engineers examined opportunities to reduce the risk of coastal damage and improve conditions on roughly 9.8 miles of beach. The study area consisted of 3.8 miles in the South Ponte Vedra area, 3.7 miles in Vilano Beach and 2.3 miles in Summer Haven.