If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen posts asking about those barges floating out in the Gulf.
Here’s what’s going on: Venice Beach is getting a much-needed facelift. The city and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are teaming up to add new sand along the shoreline, a process called beach renourishment. This work keeps the beach healthy and helps protect roads and buildings from storm damage, especially when hurricane season rolls around.
They started this project back in late May, pumping in fresh sand from a spot 11 miles offshore. So far, workers have dropped about 58,000 cubic yards onto the beach, starting from the South Jetties and stretching past the public fishing pier. Crews are tackling the job section by section.
Pipelines will run along the sand during construction, but workers are keeping them buried so people still get to the water. Any areas with heavy machinery or ongoing work are off-limits, not just to beachgoers, but part of the parking lot is closed, too, to keep everyone safe.
Wildlife isn’t being forgotten, either. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is on-site, monitoring and moving sea turtle nests whenever needed. So far, they’ve successfully relocated over 450 nests.
The federal government and city of Venice are spending $27.5 million on this beach renourishment project to restore the shoreline. Venice Beach is getting its makeover, and nature and locals are both in excellent hands.
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