Atlantic City casinos are rejoicing as a much-needed beach replenishment project is finally underway. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working to widen beaches by pumping 1.2 million cubic yards of sand onto the shoreline in Atlantic City and neighboring shore towns, enough to fill 120,000 dump trucks. This project aims to address erosion caused by normal tides and stronger storms linked to climate change.
The lack of sand in recent years has impacted businesses, with some resorts, like the Hard Rock, Ocean, and Resorts casinos, taking matters into their own hands to bring in sand. However, these efforts were not enough to combat erosion. Resorts Casino Hotel President Mark Giannantonio emphasized the importance of a usable beach for attracting tourists and sustaining local businesses.
The project, funded at $38.2 million, will focus on widening the most eroded sections of Atlantic City’s beach, with some repairs planned in neighboring Ventnor, Margate, and Longport. In addition to adding sand, the project includes dune repairs, sand fencing, and planting dune grass. The Army Corps estimates completion within two to four months.
Further north, beach replenishment is also underway in other New Jersey coastal towns, such as Harvey Cedars, Beach Haven, and Long Beach Township on Long Beach Island. The completion of these projects is anticipated to lead to a significant improvement in beach conditions, benefiting both locals and visitors seeking more space to enjoy the shore.
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