The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requires permanent easements that grant government access in perpetuity to justify using federal taxpayer funds for beach renourishment projects, and the Corps has stated it will not construct projects that contain gaps caused by missing easements because engineered projects cannot provide the intended level of protection when constructed with gaps.
October 08, 2025
high
policy
Federal cost-sharing and construction standards for coastal beach renourishment projects.
Beach renourishment projects commonly involve dredging sand from offshore and pumping it onto the shore to widen beaches, and when private property owners refuse to grant permanent easements project sponsors may place new sand on the publicly owned seaward side of the beach, which can create gaps in protection and concentrate storm surge at unprotected private properties in future storms.
October 08, 2025
high
process
Typical engineering methods and risk implications for coastal nourishment when easements are not granted.