Efforts to protect Presque Isle State Park and Erie Harbor are moving forward with the announcement of $3 million in funding for beach nourishment and sand stockpiling projects scheduled for fall 2026 and spring 2027.
The funding package includes $1.5 million in federal dollars and $1.5 million in non-federal funding. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District has also awarded a three-year contract to Green World Contracting, a Pennsylvania-based company, to carry out the work.
Officials say the project is part of the Army’s “Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork” initiative, which aims to speed up infrastructure improvements by reducing administrative delays and getting resources into the field faster.
Construction is already underway. Crews began work September 14 and are expected to place approximately 30,000 cubic yards of sand at Beaches 5, 6, 7 and 10, along with areas near Mill Road. The work is scheduled to continue through November.
Federal officials say the sand placement targets areas identified during spring inspections as being most vulnerable to erosion. Additional sand stockpiling is planned during the winter months to support future nourishment efforts in 2027.
Lee Forsgren, senior official performing the duties of Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, called Presque Isle a national asset that plays a major role in both recreation and commerce.
Officials note that the peninsula’s nearly seven-mile shoreline serves as a natural breakwater that protects Erie Harbor and its shipping channel.
According to the Army Corps of Engineers, Erie Harbor handled nearly 977,000 tons of cargo in 2023, including limestone, sand and gravel, and road salt. Harbor activity supported nearly $27 million in business revenue, more than $6.6 million in labor income, and over 100 transportation-related jobs.
Lt. Col. Aaron Anderson, commander of the Buffalo District, said securing funding and establishing a multi-year contract will allow crews to move quickly to protect the shoreline and keep the harbor operating efficiently ahead of winter weather.
Officials say the contract structure will also streamline future beach nourishment projects by eliminating the need for annual contracting processes, allowing work to continue more efficiently as funding becomes available.