Erosion berm work to begin; Department of Commerce grant expected and cameras to monitor performance

Ocean Shores public works staff reported that southern erosion berm construction is slated to begin within about two weeks and that the work itself is expected to take roughly three weeks.

Staff said the city is coordinating with the Washington Department of Commerce for grant funding and added work on Peninsula Court and Mariner Court to the grant request. Staff reported high confidence the city will receive the Department of Commerce contract imminently and said funds will be used for berm work and related maintenance.

As part of the grant, staff said two cameras will be installed at the berm to monitor wave action and berm performance during king tides and winter storms; one of the camera views will also be directed toward adjacent Department of Natural Resources-managed shoreline to document erosion and tree loss there. Staff said the berm is intended to be maintained by public works after construction using an existing cobble contract with Northwest Rock.

No formal award or contract was recorded at the committee meeting; staff expected to receive the grant contract from the Department of Commerce this week and to proceed after that.