The Virginia Beach oceanfront is getting some added protection, thanks to a joint effort by the city and Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The district has awarded the Virginia Beach Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project renourishment contract to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company of Oak Brook, Illinois.
The bid of $22.64 million includes the placement of 1.85 million cubic yards of sand from 15th Street to 70th Street.
The federal investment for this renourishment cycle is $14.71 million, or 65% total project costs, including design, construction and administrative.
The Virginia Beach Public Works Department expects beach placement to begin in mid-June and be completed by Aug. 31.
After an extensive mobilization effort, which could start in early June, officials expect beach replenishment to begin at the beach’s south end near 15th Street and move northward as the project progresses.
The project consists of beach-berm renourishment along the Virginia Beach oceanfront to provide for a minimum elevation of 9 feet above sea level, and minimum crest width of 100 feet.