The South Atlantic Coastal study will be modeled closely after the North Atlantic Coast Comprehensive Study (NACCS), a Congressional response and precedent-setting vulnerability and flood risk-reduction study completed for the North Atlantic coastline in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.  The study will conduct regional analyses of coastal risk and identify initial measures/costs that can address vulnerabilities with emphasis on regional sediment management (RSM) as an actionable strategy to sustainably maintain or enhance current levels of coastal storm risk reduction.

Reducing coastal risk is a responsibility shared by all stakeholders including coastal communities, local and state governments, tribes, Federal agencies, and others throughout the study area which covers over 65,000 miles of tidally influenced shorelines. Locations within the USACE South Atlantic Division area of responsibility that are affected by sea level rise, and where hurricane and storm damages occur or are forecast to occur, are included within the study area.

Study Authority

The South Atlantic Coastal Study was authorized by Section 1204 of WRDA 2016. Guidance was issued on Nov. 16, 2017, requiring the study to follow planning guidance for watershed assessments. Public Law 115-123 provided Federal funding in the amount of $16M to cover 100% of the Study costs.

Study Goals

1. Provide a Common Operating Picture of Coastal Risk

• Provide decision-makers at all levels with a comprehensive and consistent regional assessment of coastal risk.

2. Identify High-Risk Locations/Focus Current and future resources

• Enable resources to be focused on the most vulnerable areas

3. Identify and Assess Risk Reduction Actions

• Assess actions that would reduce risk to vulnerable coastal populations

4. Promote and Support Resilient Coastal Communities

• Ensure a sustainable coastal landscape system, considering future sea level rise scenarios and climate change. Provide information to stakeholders to optimize existing efforts to reduce risk.

5. Promote Sustainable Projects and Programs

• Develop and provide consistent foundational elements to support coastal studies and projects; Regionally manage projects through Regional Sediment Management and other opportunities.

6. Leverage Supplemental Actions

• Multiple Federal supplemental studies and construction efforts funded by Public Law 115-123 will inform, and be informed, by the SACS

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