Mayor proclaims beach restoration as done

Nearly 9 months after Matthew, beaches rebuilt

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – There is still a lot of repair work that needs to be done as a result of Hurricane Matthew. The city is still waiting on FEMA money to pay for the majority of it. But one project Mayor Lenny Curry said is now done is beach restoration.

In Atlantic Beach, some of the last of the repairs of the dunes are nearing completion. Workers are planting sea oats that will hold the dunes in place in case a hurricane or any other storm should come along. Officials said that the program has been a big success

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After Hurricane Matthew left its mark, the dunes were destroyed, washed away in the storm. Experts said the dunes did what they were supposed to do: protect homes and save lives. Since the storm, tons of sand has been added back and the dunes are in place. New walkovers have been built in some areas to make sure they stay in place until the next storm hits.

"Hurricane Matthew proved the value of these beach projects and Jacksonville was more prepared for hurricane season because of the work we were able to do," said Col. Jason Kirk of the Army Corps of Engineers.

Just before the storm hit, beaches nourishment was already underway. The $22 million project was spearheaded by the Army Corps of Engineers, but the city also kicked in $7.5 million.  Because of the storm, they had to go back and make some repairs to the areas that were already restored, but now they're done.

"We're here today to celebrate what you can do when you work together for the people at the beaches in Jacksonville as a whole," said Mayor Lenny Curry.

As crews finish planting the sea oats, there are still a few steps to complete. In fact, there is some extra sand that is standing by in case there are problems this summer that require more repairs to be made.


About the Author:

Jim Piggott is the reporter to count on when it comes to city government and how it will affect the community.