Expand / Collapse search
☰

Canaveral Port Authority secures $41 million for Shoreline Preservation Project in Brevard County

By
Published  January 13, 2025 10:54am EST
News
FOX 35 Orlando

The Brief

    • The project will involve the dredging and bypassing of approximately 1.5 million cubic yards of sand.
    • Beach equipment will be mobilized between January 20-28.
    • The entire project is expected to be completed before the start of sea turtle nesting season.

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Canaveral Port Authority has received $41 million in federal funding for a shoreline preservation project designed to address downdrift erosion along the Space Coast.

What we know: The project, a collaboration between the Port, Brevard County Natural Resources Management, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, involves dredging and bypassing approximately 1.5 million cubic yards of sand. Sand buildup from the north entrance of Port Canaveral will be transported via submerged and floating pipelines to designated beach areas south of the Port.

"This important project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has restored miles of beaches over the past several decades while ensuring the continued safe navigation of our harbor," said Capt. John Murray, CEO of Port Canaveral. "The Space Coast is world-famous for its beaches, including our own Jetty Park, and Port Canaveral is proud to support the continued efforts of this important and ongoing federal initiative."

Officials said the project is scheduled for completion before the start of sea turtle nesting season. Beach equipment will be mobilized at Washington Avenue in Cape Canaveral, with sand placement in the northern segment set to begin between Jan. 20 and Jan. 28.

The project covers two segments:

  • Segment 1: From Harbor Drive in Cape Canaveral to Palm Lane in Cocoa Beach.
  • Segment 2: Starting in mid-March, from North 2nd Street in Cocoa Beach to Tables Beach near Patrick Space Force Base.

To ensure public safety, beach access will be restricted in active construction zones, typically spanning 1,000 to 1,500 feet. Access will remain open in other areas, with sand ramps installed every 200 to 300 feet to facilitate beachgoer access over the pipelines.

Signage will be posted to alert visitors, officials said.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded the $40.6 million contract to Houston-based Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, LLC. The work will restore the shoreline north of Port Canaveral, including areas along Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The Source: This information came from the Canaveral Port Authority.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:

NewsBrevard County