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Atlantic City

Atlantic City can be found on the northern end of Absecon Island. Known for its casinos, Atlantic City also built the first boardwalk in the USA.

Of all the barrier islands in New Jersey, Absecon Island has suffered the most damage due to storm and wave attacks. The four towns on this island experienced extensive erosion and flooding during severe storm events. Very little beach remained to protect the businesses built on or beyond the boardwalk. Previously, Atlantic City did little to protect their dunes.

In a joint effort, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection have recently completed the first stage of the Absecon Island Shore Protection project. This project was designed to protect the businesses and residents on the island by nourishing their beaches and building dunes. In the plan for Atlantic City, dredging companies under the direction of the Army Corps of Engineers, built a 200 ft wide beach with a sand dune that rose 2-3 ft above the boardwalk. Sand placement took approximately 3 months to complete. The total volume of sand was initially approximated at 3.2 million cubic yards and cost 17.8 million dollars. Dune grass was planted to help stabilize the dunes.

The widened beach and new dunes will offer momentary protection to the businesses on the island. However, beach sand will continue to migrate as littoral drift carries sand southward. The 50 year plan has included periodic nourishment every three years.

The businesses of Atlantic City immediately began to take advantage of their wider beach. Beach bars and huts have been built on the newly nourished beach, and construction for a high end clothing store ensues on a new pier.

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