Volusia County Beach Restoration: 900,000 Cubic Yards of Sand in Action!

Volusia County, Florida, USA - Crews are currently busy on Volusia County’s coastline, putting the finishing touches on a vital beach restoration project. As noted by Dredging Today, sand is being transported from Ponce Inlet and the nearby Intracoastal Waterway, and will be laid down from the Sunglow Pier south to the North Jetty. This ambitious initiative, executed in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Inland Navigation District, aims to bolster our beaches with approximately 900,000 cubic yards of sand. The primary goal? To rebuild dunes and strengthen our coastline against future storms.

But it doesn’t stop there. Once the sand placement is wrapped up, Volusia County plans to enhance access at Oceanview Avenue, including an upgraded seawall, improved stormwater management, and a fully ADA-accessible beach ramp. This comprehensive approach not only sees to immediate beach restoration but also ensures long-term usability for everyone in our community.

Addressing Hurricane Damage

This substantial effort is a direct response to the damage wrought by hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022. According to My News 13, Volusia County lost over 6 million cubic yards of sand due to these storms. To combat this loss, two sand placement projects are set to restore our cherished beaches. Funded by an $82 million state grant for hurricane recovery, the total cost of these projects is about $42 million, with plans to replenish over 1.2 million cubic yards of sand.

The North Sand Placement Project will pump around 700,000 cubic yards of sand from the Intracoastal Waterway and Ponce de Leon Inlet, while the South Sand Placement Project will draw over 500,000 cubic yards from Rattle Snake Island. This means that property owners with recorded easements will receive approximately 18 cubic yards of sand per linear foot of their eastern boundary, helping to safeguard properties against future erosion.

Support for Residents

Residents aren’t left in the lurch during this process. Single-family homeowners can receive reimbursements of up to $300,000 for adding seawalls and other permitted structures, while condo owners can get up to $600,000. Plus, those who have previously placed sand on the beach east of their seawalls or dunes can apply for full reimbursement. As part of the project, the county will also remove TrapBags installed last year, ensuring a smoother restoration process.

The county currently has over $40 million in grant money available for further recovery efforts, and a feasibility study is in the works to develop a long-term resiliency project for our most vulnerable areas. Residents can stay updated by signing up for the county’s online newsletter or tracking project progress through a dedicated website.

Broader Coastal Resilience Strategies

Beyond immediate beach restoration projects, efforts are underway at the national level to bolster coastal resilience. According to NOAA, funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act has disbursed over $265 million for various habitat restoration projects nationwide, with Florida benefiting significantly. These initiatives not only focus on coastal defense but also include enhancing habitat quality for local wildlife and ecosystems.

As we watch our local beaches become stronger and more resilient, it’s clear that these restoration projects are about more than just aesthetics—they are a promise for a safer and more accessible future for all of us who call Volusia County home. So, let’s carry forward the momentum, keeping an eye on both our coastlines and our community’s well-being.