The federal government is closer to approving a U.S. Army Corps study focused on protecting of Volusia County’s beaches, which could line the county up for major federal funding for the coast.
County officials have been lobbying for years to be included in a federal study. The Army Corps feasibility study, if approved, would examine options for strengthening the coast and make the county eligible for federal funding for beach projects. The effort comes alongside the county’s work to secure more state funding for the coastline.
“It would be a huge step toward Volusia County’s long-term recovery, and ensuring the economic stability of our tourism and our tourism economy,” said Jessica Fentress, Volusia County’s Coastal Division director.
An example of a long-term Army Corps project is St. Augustine Beach, where the agency has added sand to a section of beach on a regular schedule under a 50-year agreement.
Volusia County needs the help.
Hurricanes Ian and Nicole took 6 million cubic yards of sand from Volusia County beaches, putting the county in a “sand-starved” state, Fentress said in 2025. Part of Volusia County’s coastline is considered critically eroded.
What’s the status of the Army Corps’ study for Volusia County?
The proposed Army Corps feasibility study is called the “Volusia County Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study.” It hasn’t been approved yet, but it’s getting closer to becoming a reality.
The Army Corps will receive funds to determine whether the federal government has an interest in pursuing the feasibility study, according to an email to The News-Journal on Aug. 6 from JP Rebello, Army Corps public affairs officer. It’s called the Federal Interest Determination process, and Fentress said the process typically takes up to 90 days to complete.
If there is federal interest, the feasibility study could get the green light. The study would “address coastal storm risk and erosion concerns along the Volusia County shoreline,” according to Rebello.
If approved, a feasibility study would likely take up to three years to complete, Fentress said. The study would provide project recommendations unique to Volusia County that federal officials would be willing to pursue. Then, county officials would work with Congress to seek funding for construction projects.
A feasibility study would look at a variety of options for the coast — not just regular sand placement, Fentress said.
“What works for Daytona may not work for Ponce Inlet,” she said. “What works for Ormond-by-the-Sea may not work for New Smyrna Beach,” Fentress added.
The county has worked with U.S. Reps Cory Mills and Randy Fine, Sen. Ashley Moody, Army Corps representatives, Sen. Rick Scott’s office and others in the process, officials said. John Booker, who leads government affairs for the county, and County Council At-Large Representative Jake Johansson, have also been involved.
“This could not have happened without our federal delegation,” said Fentress, who has also helped work with federal officials on the effort.
Meanwhile, Volusia County works on a Beach Management Plan
Volusia County’s beaches play a major role in the area’s economy, and an Army Corps project would help protect the coastline, Fentress said.
“Volusia County’s beaches provide $4.3 billion worth of economic impact to our county and is the largest employment sector of our county,” Fentress said.
Alongside pursing federal funding and planning for the coastline, Volusia County has been working with the state government extensively.
After hurricanes Ian and Nicole devoured sand along the coastline, Volusia County received about $82 million from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to help the beaches.
One requirement of that funding is for the county to create a Beach Management Plan which looks at risks, and options for shoring up the coast and reducing erosion. The proposal, which is being finalized, includes possibilities such as sand placement, artificial reefs and breakwaters, which are near-shore rock structures that reduce wave impacts and collect sand.
The county held public meetings and published a survey to get feedback on the proposal. The Beach Management Plan draft is expected to go to the County Council in 2027 for approval, according to the county.
— Sheldon Gardner covers Volusia County government, including Volusia County beaches, the city of Daytona Beach and other local governments in West Volusia.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Army Corps study of Volusia beaches closer to reality. What that means
Reporting by Sheldon Gardner, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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By Sheldon Gardner, Daytona Beach News-Journal | USA TODAY Network
