Atlantic City Launches $8.5 Million Bulkhead Project to Boost Storm Resiliency
Major infrastructure upgrades are underway in the Chelsea neighborhood as part of ongoing flood protection efforts.
ATLANTIC CITY - Construction is now underway on a major $8.5 million bulkhead replacement project in Atlantic City’s Chelsea neighborhood, marking the latest step in the city’s ongoing efforts to protect against flooding and storm damage.
The project, funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), includes replacing public bulkheads along the back bay from Albany Avenue to Morris Avenue. In addition to the new bulkheads, the work will include stormwater outfall improvements, sidewalk restoration, and new tree plantings. The construction is being handled by the Richard E. Pierson Company.
“The Small Administration has made a commitment to shore 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. “Projects like this not only protect our residents and businesses but also represent an investment in the long-term safety and future of our neighborhoods.”
The Chelsea project is one piece of a larger citywide plan to strengthen storm resiliency and improve quality of life. A $16 million upgrade to the Atlantis Avenue Pump Station—designed to handle stormwater for the Midtown and Inlet neighborhoods—is expected to be completed later this year. Additional projects slated to begin before year’s end include the Ducktown Bulkhead Replacement and improvements to the Fisherman’s Park Pump Station, both partially funded by the U.S. Economic Development Agency.
“All of these improvements are part of a comprehensive strategy developed after Superstorm Sandy to better protect Atlantic City from flooding,” said Jim Rutala, the city's grant consultant with Rutala Associates. “Much of the progress has accelerated under Mayor Small, with millions in grant funding secured through close cooperation with the State of New Jersey.”
Director of Engineering Uzo Ahiarakwe emphasized the city's holistic approach: “The Chelsea Bulkhead Replacement is just one component of our broader effort to build resilience. We're addressing every aspect of our infrastructure to ensure Atlantic City is prepared for the next major weather event.”
In recent years, the city has completed bulkhead upgrades in Lower Chelsea, Chelsea Heights, and Gardner’s Basin. It has also improved most check valves regulating stormwater discharge and nears completion of the final phase of the Inlet Seawall—a $60 million Boardwalk and seawall project connecting Ocean Casino Resort to Gardner’s Basin, offering crucial protection to the Inlet neighborhood.
To help guide future efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has funded resiliency studies in four of Atlantic City’s most vulnerable areas: Bungalow Park, Venice Park, Chelsea/Ducktown, and Chelsea Heights. These studies will shape the next generation of infrastructure projects as new funding opportunities become available.
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