In Atlantic City, construction has begun on an $8.5 million bulkhead replacement project in its Chelsea neighborhood, which will protect against flooding and storm damage.
As part of the project, public bulkheads are being replaced from Albany Avenue to Morris Avenue along the back bay; outfalls will be improved to convey stormwater through the new bulkheads; sidewalks will be restored; and trees will be planted.
This project is funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Richard E. Pierson Company is constructing these bulkheads.
“The Small administration has made a commitment to sure up our resiliency here in the great City of Atlantic City with the best interest of our taxpayers in mind,” said Mayor Marty Small Sr. “Through various projects like this, we are not only protecting our residents and businesses, but we are also investing in the future of our community, ensuring our neighborhoods remain safe and resilient for a long time to come.”
In addition to the Chelsea Bulkhead Replacement Project, a $16 million improvement project of the Atlantis Avenue Pump Station is expected to be completed later this year. This pump station will handle much of the stormwater from the Midtown and Inlet neighborhoods.
Additionally, the Ducktown Bulkhead Replacement Project and upgrades to the Fisherman’s Park Pump Station are planned to start before the end of the year. Both pump stations are partially funded by grants from the United States Economic Development Agency. Atlantic City’s grant consultant, Rutala Associates, has procured the funding for all the resiliency projects.
“A comprehensive plan to better protect Atlantic City from flooding was developed back in 2012,” said City of Atlantic City grant consultant Jim Rutala. “Some of this work started after Superstorm Sandy, but the bulk of the work came after Mayor Small took office. The city was able to secure various grants and worked very closely with the State of New Jersey to ensure that money was spent properly, so projects like the Chelsea bulkhead replacement can move forward.”
“Under this current administration, there has been a strong emphasis on resiliency and addressing quality-of-life concerns,” said City of Atlantic City Engineering Director Uzo Ahiarakwe. “Chelsea bulkhead replacement is one part of a comprehensive package in which we’re trying to address each and every component of resiliency to make our coastal community prepared for the next significant weather event.”
To this date, bulkhead improvements have been completed in the Lower Chelsea neighborhood, the Chelsea Heights neighborhood and Gardner’s Basin. Most of the check valves that control stormwater discharge into the bay have been upgraded. The last phase of the Inlet Seawall is being completed, as well.
The $60 million boardwalk/seawall combination connects Ocean Casino Resort with Gardner’s Basin Park. The seawall provides significant protection to the Inlet neighborhood.
In preparation for future weather events, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has funded four resiliency studies of the most vulnerable Atlantic City neighborhoods: Bungalow Park, Venice Park, Chelsea/Ducktown and Chelsea Heights. These studies will result in the next generation of projects to be pursued as funding becomes available.
