Dune restoration at MalaCompra Park adds 12,500 tons of sand in first week

The $3.67 million project will has so far completed the first 1,500 of 8,350 linear feet. The work is beginning at MalaCompra Park and will extend to Washington Oaks State Park.

By Sierra Williams
| 5:53 p.m. February 2, 2023

The Hurricane Dorian restoration project at MalaCompra Park.

Palm Coast Observer

The Hurricane Dorian dunes restoration project has added 12,500 tons of sand to 1,500 linear feet in just the first week.

The $3.67 million restoration is starting from south MalaCompra Park to south Washington Oaks Gardens State Park at the north end of the county. In total, the project will restore 8,350 linear feet of shoreline with around 49,500 cubic yards of sand, according to a press release from Flagler County.

The new sand is made of beach-compatible material that meets specific standards from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and is hauled by truck from approved sand mines. County Engineer Faith Alkhatib said they are pleased with the progress.

“The contractor anticipates completing this project in April, ahead of the turtle nesting season,” she said.

Crews are working on weekdays during the day and are staged at MalaCompra Park until they reach the halfway point, Alkhatib said, where they will then move to stage at Washington Oaks.

Horseback riding has been suspended in the project area, the press release said. Access is still available at Jungle Hut Road but closes at the north border of Hammock Beach Resort.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is covering 75% of the $3.67 million project funding, the press release said. The 25% local match is covered by funding from the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the FDEP.

This story has been edited to reflect the correct amount of sand placed.