JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- USACE Jacksonville District will mobilize for the second periodic renourishment of Fernandina Beach after Hurricane Nicole, for the Nassau County Shore Protection Project (SPP), 25 April.
The Nassau County SPP is a federally authorized, 50-year project designed to provide sustainable shore protection for property, critical infrastructure, and environmental habitat while providing recreational opportunities for residents and tourists. USACE will provide 100 percent of the total project costs.
The project will renourish approximately 4 miles of shoreline in Nassau County, Florida on Fernandina Beach south of the St. Mary Entrance Channel south jetty between FDEP Range Monuments R-19 and R-33. Approximately 750,000 cubic yards of beach-compatible sand will be dredged from the South Channel Borrow Area for use. The South Channel Borrow Area is located immediately south of the St. Mary Entrance Channel and about 3 miles offshore of the south jetty.
Mobilization should conclude mid-May, and Initial construction is projected to start immediately after, and last approximately through mid-August. Periodic nourishment is expected to occur in 5-year cycles determined by the extent of storm impact, wave erosion and sea level rise.
The contractor will stage equipment at the Dolphin Ave parking lot. Sadler Road beach access may be temporarily blocked for equipment delivery/removal. Construction will likely occur 24/7 until complete, which may include backup alarms, lights, and other noise associated with active construction projects. Sand will be pumped onto the beach from offshore and graded into place by bulldozers and other equipment. Sections of the beach will be closed off while working in approximately 1,000 ft intervals.
To ensure public safety, beach access will be restricted in the active construction zone, but will remain open elsewhere along the beach. Safety personnel will be on site to direct the general public away from potential hazards.
When constructed, the project will provide a holistic defense against future storms, beach erosion and sea level rise. It will foster a more resilient coastline, allowing more efficient and less costly recovery in the wake of any future severe storm impacts, significantly increasing the protection of homes, businesses and infrastructure from coastal storms, while saving taxpayer money. The project, under the Stafford Act, is eligible for emergency beach renourishment following significant storm events at 100 percent federal cost.
Updated progress maps, as provided by the contractor, will be shared on Jacksonville District social media accounts and at: https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Shore-Protection/Nassau-County/ after work commences.
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