Ocean City Named One Of America’s Top Restored Beaches
DNR Annually Funds Beach Replenishment
OCEAN CITY, MD — The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) recently named Ocean City as having one of America’s top restored beaches for 2004.In part, the award states: “The Ocean City Project has all the elements of an effective, beneficial beach renourishment project. It has stimulated the local economy; it is well managed and effectively implemented; it enjoys broad public support; it is cost shared by local, state, and federal interests; and it is durable such that the benefits of the long-term program far outweigh the costs.” The purpose of the award is “to build awareness of and appreciation for the value and importance of America’s restored beaches.”
The Ocean City Beach Renourishment Project, formally known as the Atlantic Coast of Maryland Shoreline Protection Project, includes the seawall along the boardwalk, the dunes from the boardwalk to the Delaware state Line, and the beach. The project serves to protect Ocean City itself and inland communities from the damaging effects of tropical storms and “nor’easters.”
Twice a year, the Army Corps of Engineers surveys the beach and ocean bottom out to a depth of approximately 25 feet. The results of these surveys help determine the need for and extent of periodic beach-replenishment work. On average, the Army Corps of Engineers expects to perform some level of beach replenishment in Ocean City once every four years. The last renourishment project was implemented in 2002.
The cost of the project is shared by federal, state, county, and city governments as part of a 50-year cooperation agreement. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has committed $22.5 million since 1988 for beach replenishment and project maintenance in Ocean City.
DNR annually maintains a variety of projects for Ocean City’s beaches, including 15 miles of fencing, 73 acres of vegetation is planted, and approximately 25,000 feet of clay dune cross-overs. The 1.8-mile long concrete boardwalk wall is recoated every 5 years with anti-graffiti paint.
The beach replenishment project is a vital part of protecting the shoreline for residents and visitors alike. It is estimated that the project has prevented more than $238 million dollars in storm-related damages since the project began in 1991.
Ocean City officials expressed pride in receiving the award and thanked their partners in the project—Worcester County, DNR, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—for continuing to make beach restoration a success story.
Posted June 1, 2004