Army Corps awards contract to complete construction of Absecon Island dune project

Published Nov. 23, 2016

PHILADELPHIA (November 23, 2016) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Philadelphia District today awarded a contract to Weeks Marine Inc. for $63.3 million to complete the initial construction of the Absecon Island Coastal Storm Damage Reduction project in New Jersey. The total cost of the contract amount could be $76.1 million if options are awarded. The project is a joint effort of the Army Corps’ Philadelphia District and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. 

Work involves completing the dune and berm system in Margate and Longport as well as the scheduled nourishment of the previously constructed section of the project in Atlantic City and Ventnor City. More than 3.8 million cubic yards of sand will be dredged from approved borrow areas and pumped through a series of pipes onto the beaches of the four municipalities. The sand is then built into a dune and berm system designed to reduce potential damages to infrastructure, businesses, and homes that can occur from coastal storm events.  In addition, the contract includes the construction of dune crossovers, placement of sand fencing, dune grass plantings, and the repair or extension of existing storm water outfalls and drainage structures.

"I'm proud of the efforts of the team that has worked so hard to move this project forward," said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Philadelphia District Commander Lt. Col. Michael Bliss. "When complete, the engineered dune and berm will be one system with the purpose of reducing damages to the infrastructure on the island."

The Absecon Island Coastal Storm Damage Reduction project was only partially completed when Hurricane Sandy hit the New Jersey shore in 2012. The project in place served to dramatically reduce damages in those sections of the island.  The Army Corps had completed the initial construction of the project at Atlantic City and most of Ventnor City in 2004. This section of the project received nourishment in the spring of 2012 and was restored after Hurricane Sandy in 2013.  

The Army Corps will issue a Notice to Proceed to Weeks Marine Inc. to commence construction prior to the end of the year. The awarded contract work is expected to be completed by October 2017. The Army Corps will closely coordinate with Weeks Marine on the construction schedule and will post updates to its project web site when further information is available.   

Completing the initial construction in Margate and Longport is funded entirely by the federal government through the 2013 Disaster Relief Appropriations Act (PL113-2), commonly known as the Hurricane Sandy Relief Bill. The periodic nourishment of the Atlantic City and Ventnor City portion of the contract is cost shared between the Federal government and the non-federal sponsor, the NJDEP (65% federal; 35% non-federal). Following the completion of initial construction, the project is eligible for continued periodic nourishment.


Contact
Stephen Rochette
215-656-6432

Release no. 20161128