Planning and design of three USACE New York District projects

Abstract

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New York District (NYD) has had a tremendous impact on an approximately $6 billion comprehensive coastal storm risk management program in the last 10 years since Hurricane Sandy caused significant damage in the New York (NY) and New Jersey (NJ) area. There was 2013- 2014 emergency repair and restoration to existing beach nourishment and navigation projects, but also USACE NYD accomplished the planning and design for multiple coastal storm risk management projects in the NY and NJ area. Of those projects, specific coastal risk reduction features are described for the Sea Bright to Manasquan, NJ; East Rockaway Inlet to Rockaway Inlet, NY; and Montauk Point Lighthouse Stabilization, NY. The planning and design for these projects exemplifies resilience principles and planned adaptability to withstand the challenges of the dynamic coastal environment. The USACE NYD is faced with numerous challenges such as environmental restrictions, politics, real estate, sea level change, etc.; the magnitude of coastal planning, design and construction that has occurred over these past 10 years for the NYD studies and projects demonstrates the fortitude of collaboration combined with current and innovative engineering principles.