Posted on June 1, 2026
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District and Pinellas County signed an updated Project Cooperation Agreement on May 29 establishing a new framework for continued federal participation in the Pinellas County Shore Protection Project at Sand Key, Treasure Island, and Long Key.
The agreement resolves longstanding implementation issues involving easement requirements and public access provisions that have created uncertainty surrounding future nourishment cycles.
Under the updated framework, easements associated with the project will align with the remaining authorized federal participation period rather than requiring perpetual easements.
The agreement also clarifies how public use and access requirements may be satisfied while maintaining the federal public benefits required for continued participation in the project.
The updated approach follows revised policy direction issued by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle in March 2026 after coordination among federal, state, and local partners.
“This agreement establishes a clear and sustainable path forward for continued federal participation in the Pinellas County Shore Protection Project,” said Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle. “It allows us to continue delivering critical coastal storm risk reduction benefits while balancing federal responsibilities, public access requirements, and local partnership needs.”
Authorized by Congress and maintained through multiple Water Resources Development Acts (WRDA), the Pinellas County Shore Protection Project provides hurricane and storm damage risk reduction benefits to approximately 21 miles of shoreline across Sand Key, Treasure Island, and Long Key.
The project helps reduce erosion and storm impacts to coastal communities while supporting public beaches, protecting infrastructure, and contributing to the regional economy.
“Pinellas County and the surrounding areas have suffered tragic flooding as a result of bureaucratic malaise, but with the help of our partners in Congress, we’ve cut through the red tape and delivered a path forward for the citizens of Pinellas County, and we’ll be continuing this effort across Florida and all of America.”
The agreement restores greater certainty for future nourishment planning and long-term project implementation.
The agreement also supports continued use of beneficially placed compatible dredged material as part of the USACE’s broader regional sediment management and coastal resilience mission.
Beach nourishment projects throughout Pinellas County help strengthen natural storm buffers while maximizing the value of taxpayer investments through the beneficial use of sediment resources.
The USACE and Pinellas County will continue coordinating future nourishment activities under the updated agreement framework.
The agreement may also help inform future approaches to similar coastal partnership challenges elsewhere in the country.
To learn more about the Jacksonville District visit: www.saj.usace.army.mil.
