Rep. Mike Haridopolos Gets Details About $150 Million Shore Protection and Beach Preservation Program

BREVARD COUNTY • PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA — U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District command leadership, hosted by the Canaveral Port Authority, provided U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos with a waterside tour of multiple projects totaling over $150 million in Federal funding that ensure the continued safe navigation of Canaveral Harbor and preserve Brevard County’s shoreline.

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District has a long and storied history on this coastline,” said Col. Brandon Bowman, USACE Jacksonville District Commander.

“We built and have maintained the Federal channel at Port Canaveral since the 1950s as a deep draft harbor that provides a safe, reliable, and efficient transportation system for the movement of commerce, the meeting of national security needs, and the energization of the local economy through recreation.”

In the last three years, the Federal government has invested over $150 million in five projects. Through creative strategies, the Corps is forecasted to save Federal taxpayers over $20 million by combining and optimizing projects in ways that make sense in the name of efficiency.

Congressman Haridopolos joined Jacksonville District Commander Col. Bowman, Canaveral Port Authority Board Chairman Wayne Justice, and Brevard County representatives aboard Canaveral Fire Rescue’s Fireboat 2 for a tour of the project areas, which begin at the northern point of Canaveral Harbor and extend south toward Melbourne Beach.

Rep. Mike Haridopolos speaks at Jetty Park on a $150 million federal investment in Brevard County shore protection and beach preservation, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and sponsored by the Canaveral Port Authority and Brevard County. (Canaveral Port Authority image)
“The Canaveral Sand Bypass Project is a prime example of how we can protect our coastline while strengthening our economy. By working together, the Army Corps, the Port, and Brevard County are ensuring safe navigation, storm resilience, and a thriving shoreline for generations to come,” said Congressman Haridopolos.

“This project not only safeguards our homes and businesses but also preserves the natural beauty that makes our community so special. I’m proud to support this partnership and will continue working to secure critical funding for projects that enhance both our economy and environment.”

The Canaveral Sand Bypass Project and the Brevard County Mid and South Reach Shore Protection Projects are administered and managed by the USACE Jacksonville District in partnership with non-Federal sponsors, the Canaveral Port Authority, and Brevard County.

The beach renourishment initiatives involve the dredging and bypassing approximately 1.5 million cubic yards of sand from north of the entrance to Port Canaveral, restoring miles of shoreline south of the Port. These efforts have helped protect the economy, homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure, helping to sustain the livelihood of Americans living on and investing in these beaches.

“Port Canaveral appreciates the support of Representative Haridopolos and is grateful for our partnership with the Army Corps, whose efforts are essential to maintaining safe navigation and preserving our shorelines,” said CPA Chairman Justice.

“Their collective efforts are integral to our Port community’s continued growth and success.”

Col. Brandon Bowman, USACE Jacksonville District Commander, with U.S. Representative Mike Haridopolos at Jetty Park, highlighted a $150 million Federal investment in Brevard County shore protection and beach preservation. (Canaveral Port Authority image)
In partnership with the USACE, Jacksonville District, Port Canaveral, and Brevard County look forward to a more efficient harbor, a more resilient shoreline, and a bright future with beautiful beaches.

In September 2024, the USACE Jacksonville District awarded a $40.6 million contract to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, LLC, of Houston, Texas, for the sixth iteration of the Canaveral Harbor Sand Bypass project. This project will move approximately 1.5 million cubic yards of sand from the shoreline immediately north of Port Canaveral to two segments of critically eroded shoreline in Brevard County.

The first segment runs along approximately 3.3 miles of shoreline, just south of Jetty Park to Shepard Park in Cocoa Beach. The second segment runs along approximately 3.7 miles of shoreline from just south of Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach to the northern border of Patrick Space Force Base.

Following damages caused by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, in September 2023, the USACE Jacksonville District awarded a $47.6 million contract to The Dutra Group of San Rafael, Calif., to execute a Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies (FCCE) rehabilitation of the Mid and South Reach segments of the Brevard County Federal shore protection project. The contract will place approximately one million cubic yards of sand on critically eroded beaches extending approximately 11.5 miles from the southern border of Patrick Space Force Base.

The $150 million Federal investment over the last three years is derived from a combination of the Canaveral Harbor and Brevard County, Fla., Shore Protection Projects, between which it’s estimated over $20 million in taxpayer dollars will be saved by leveraging efficiencies in combining projects, when and where it makes sense.

The Canaveral Sand Bypass Project is scheduled to conclude before April 30. The Mid-Reach sand placement concluded last week, and construction of the South Reach is forecasted to commence in November.