Breakwater

By M. L. "Sonny" Bozeman

Beach erosion has long been a problem in Long Beach. The width of the beach fell from 175 feet before the breakwater to 50 feet a few years ago.

A "reconnaissance" study by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1997 found that the federal breakwater - built during World War II to protect Navy ships - was a likely factor in the erosion problem.

The Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee has in its budget $300,000 for a second, more detailed study on the problem. The study to be done by the Corps may offer some recommendations.

This new study would be the next step in that process. It would be a "feasibility" study that would take a thorough look at the problem and its casuse, plus what the role the breakwater plays in that. The study will provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the breakwater, a key first step in finding solutions to the erosion problems in the beach.

This study is not planned to look at the removal of the breakwater, the content of the study will be up to the Corps.

I am anxious to review the results of this study when it is completed. And look forward working with the conservationists on this issue.