The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association announced Monday that Seal Beach is one of only four projects nationwide to receive a 2010 Best Restored Beach Award.
The association -- founded in 1926 -- promotes the integration of science, policies and actions that maintain, protect and enhance the national coasts.
The Seal Beach project involved nourishing a popular but eroding beach east of its pier, using 74,000 cubic yards of offshore dredged material, It was funded by the city at nearly $2 million.
The widened beach offers improved storm wave protection to shorefront residences and has increased the recreational beachfront.
"We feel we have laid the groundwork for future actions to protect one of our most precious assets, the beach," said.Mayor Pro Tem Michael Levitt. "We're humbled to have these efforts recognized by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association."
"This is a clear case of many hands make light work. We greatly appreciate the efforts of our fine City Manager and his staff, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and especially the efforts of Mr. Kim Sterrett of the state Department of Boating and Waterways." said Councilman Charles Antos, whose 1st District includes the shoreline area.
Said Seal Beach City Manager David Carmany "Seal Beach is one of the nicest beaches in California, so restoring and keeping the beach in good order is a big part of the job description for our Public Works Department. And it's obvious that this was a truly a labor of love for our consultant engineer Moffatt and Nichol. There's no better firm in this arena." The effort played a significant role in mitigating flood damage as a result of the recent El Nino pattern which saw high tide and wave run up at East Seal Beach.
the re-nourishment of the beach benefits all of us through improved access, a better visitor experience and a desire to revisit and spend in our community."
For the Seal Beach project, cooperation between local, state and federal governments allowed an unconventional contracting process to succeed within a tight timeframe and budget.
Dredging was conducted by Manson Construction as part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Stage 12 Surfside/Sunset project. The Department of Boating and Waterways was also instrumental in the project's launch.
Permit procurement, final engineering and construction support services for the project were provided by the engineering Moffatt & Nichol firm.
Joe Segura, a mild-mannered reporter for a major metropolitan newspaper, has covered Gotham City, er Long Beach, for 34 years. During his very, very long -- endless -- tenure, he's covered almost every beat, and he was the main writer for BeachWeek, which focused on life and lifestyles of the shoreline communities from downtown Long Beach to the Huntington Beach pier.
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