Flagler County Secures $9M for Vital Dune Restoration Ahead of Storms

Flagler County Secures $9M for Vital Dune Restoration Ahead of Storms

In a significant step for coastal protection, Flagler County, Florida, is set to receive a substantial $9 million in funding aimed at dune restoration near MalaCompra Beach Park. This timely project comes after the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton in 2024, which left the northern dunes nearly bare, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced coastal resilience. With the secured funding, which was announced by Congressman Randy Fine at the Flagler County Emergency Operations Center, work is set to commence by November 1, 2025.

The restoration efforts will fortify dunes stretching from MalaCompra Park to Marineland, boosting their height to about 14 feet and widening them to better withstand the onslaught of storms. As noted by the county’s coastal management administrator, Ansley Wren-Key, the southern part of Flagler County experienced less storm impact, leaving an opportunity to strengthen the northern beaches efficiently.

Ensuring Future Safety

The $9 million funding addresses long-term beach erosion, a problem exacerbated by storms like Milton and compounded by ongoing climate change. Losing beaches not only threatens cherished recreational areas but also poses risks to coastal roadways and local businesses. As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency points out, over $1 trillion of property within 700 feet of the coast stands at risk due to climate-driven erosion.

Hurricane Milton underscored the peril of coastal erosion, which affects approximately $500 million in property loss annually across the country. It’s essential to recognize that while coastal management can mitigate some erosion significantly, human interventions can sometimes add complexities—a point echoed by information from the Climate Resilience Toolkit, which states that traditional hard structures can inadvertently lead to further erosion.

Project Scope and Community Engagement

This restoration project follows the ongoing work of contractors currently reconstructing dunes just south of MalaCompra. With the federal funds now signed off and ready to go, local officials are gearing up for a project duration that is expected to span three to four months. This marks a collective win for community efforts towards sustaining Flagler County’s coastline, with officials emphasizing the role of collaboration across local and federal levels.

Congressman Fine has been a staunch advocate for beach restoration efforts since his election in 2016. His recent tour of Flagler County beaches on August 13 saw him observing the diligent work of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and underscored his commitment to addressing shoreline issues. Local leaders are working hand in hand to tackle this environmental challenge without overburdening taxpayers, focusing on sustainable solutions that protect and preserve the area for generations.

As coastal erosion intensifies with rising seas and increasingly severe storms, the dune restoration project stands as a crucial measure to safeguard Florida’s precious coastal ecosystems. It’s clear that there’s something to be said for investing in our beaches. Not only do restored dunes provide a buffer against storms, but they also offer habitat for wildlife and contribute to local economies centered around tourism. As we look towards November, the community can take heart in witnessing this protective measure take shape.