USA: Corps Extends Comment Period on Flagler County Shoreline Study

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, is extending the public comment period to Mar. 15 for the Flagler County Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project Draft Integrated Feasibility Study and Environmental Assessment.

The Corps received several requests for an extension of the public review period, which originally ended today.

“We want to be open and transparent with the public and if additional time will give them more clarity, then that’s what we need to do,” said Project Manager Jason Harrah.

Shoreline erosion currently threatens oceanfront infrastructure, including National Scenic Highway SR A1A and both public and private structures. As the only north-south hurricane evacuation route for communities along the coastline, SR A1A is essential for public safety during evacuation events.

Opportunities to reduce the risk of coastal damages and improve conditions were examined and approximately 9.7 miles of coastline were investigated during the feasibility study process.

The Corps’ tentatively selected plan (TSP) will provide additional armoring and protection of SR A1A. The TSP consists of a 10-foot seaward extension of the existing dune along 2.6 miles between 7th to 28th streets in central Flagler Beach. Construction of the dune extension will extend the existing berm and the entire active profile seaward.

To build the berm, the Corps anticipates dredging sand from an offshore borrow site and pumping it onto the adjacent beach. Initial construction will cover some vegetation, but new vegetation, similar to the existing foliage, will be planted following construction.

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Press Release, February 19, 2014