The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, has awarded a $2.486 million contract for the sand nourishment of Presque Isle, located in Erie, Pennsylvania.
The contractor – PPW Builders, Inc., based in Cleveland, Ohio – is anticipated to start work in June 2019 with approximately 68,000 cubic yards of sand to be placed between Beach 5 to Beach 10.
“ This contract award will provide the nourishment needed to help stabilize Presque Isle, while providing ample recreational opportunity to the public ,” said Lt. Col. Jason Toth, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District .
Each year the peninsula needs approximately 55,000 tons of additional sand to offset impacts of annual erosion.
Since the construction of the 55 offshore rubble mound breakwaters, the annual nourishment requirement has decreased by 75 percent.
Presque Isle is a 3112-acre long peninsula composed of sand in Lake Erie and provides ample habitat for migratory shorebirds and endangered species, along with bank stabilization and recreational opportunities to all people who visit there.