Our coastal communities are one step closer to enhanced storm protection as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Philadelphia District moves forward with a major beachfill project in Sea Isle City and the Strathmere section of Upper Township. The agency published a contract solicitation for the work just three days after receiving $28 million in federal funding.
The project represents a significant investment in protecting our shoreline and the homes and businesses that define these beloved beach communities. More than 1.1 million cubic yards of sand will be dredged, pumped, and placed along our beaches to create an engineered dune and berm system designed to reduce damage from coastal storms.
Where the Sand Will Go
The Great Egg Harbor Inlet to Townsends Inlet project will draw sand from two offshore borrow areas. One is located off Corsons Inlet, while the other sits approximately three miles offshore of Sea Isle City. This sand will then be carefully graded into place to maintain our protective dune and berm system.
In Strathmere, the contract calls for 863,000 cubic yards of sand to be placed along a 5,168-foot stretch from north of Seaview Avenue to the Landis/Commonwealth intersection. Meanwhile, Sea Isle City will receive 299,000 cubic yards of sand between 29th and 30th streets extending to between 54th and 55th streets, covering approximately 6,771 feet of shoreline.
The contract also includes options for additional sand placement if needed, providing flexibility as the project progresses.
Community Access Preserved
Beach access remains a priority throughout the project. Dune crossovers or access paths, fencing, and other features will be installed or repaired as part of the work, ensuring residents and visitors can continue to enjoy our beaches safely.
Timeline and Next Steps
While a specific construction timeline hasn't been set, the Army Corps is working to expedite the process under the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works' "Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork" initiative. The actual schedule will depend on bids from private industry and the availability of dredging equipment.
This project represents a true partnership between federal, state, and local entities. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Philadelphia District is collaborating with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and our local municipalities, with costs shared evenly—50 percent federal funding and 50 percent non-federal funding.
More Projects on the Horizon
The Sea Isle City and Strathmere project is just one piece of a broader coastal protection effort. The Philadelphia District is also preparing separate contract solicitations for projects in North Ocean City and Avalon/Stone Harbor, continuing to expedite each step so construction can move forward as quickly as possible.
For our coastal communities, these projects represent more than just sand and engineering—they're about protecting the places we call home, preserving our way of life, and ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy the Jersey Shore we love.
