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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers initiated the Long-Term Management Strategy study because of the recognition that shoreline erosion in the vicinity of the South Jetty could again result in the breaching of the landmass adjacent to the jetty and adversely impact the federal navigation project. The objective of the Long-Term Management Strategy study is to assess the risk that such a breach may occur, to evaluate the threat of adverse impact to the Grays Harbor Navigation Project resulting from any breach, and – if action is determined to be warranted – assess and recommend the most appropriate long-term strategy for continued maintenance of the authorized Grays Harbor navigation project features.

This LTMS study is being conducted under the Corps’ authority to operate and maintain the completed federal navigation project in the most efficient and effective manner. The current investigation is being completed at 100 percent federal cost. The study area under consideration includes those project features and adjacent environment affected by the erosion. The area includes the south jetty, revetment, navigation channel, South Beach, Half Moon Bay, and east to Whitcomb Flats.

Project Scope: 

The Grays Harbor Major Maintenance Project keeps the navigation channel stable and reliable. The authorized purpose of the Grays Harbor jetty system is to assist in maintenance of the navigation channel across the ocean bar by (1) confining and directing tidal currents over the bar to generate a scouring effect, and (2) preventing encroachment of sand into the entrance. However, the north jetty is now severely weakened because key structural stones have dislodged and washed away. 

This project will rebuild the damaged sections of the North Jetty where heavy waves have carved out gaps, thinned the structure, and lowered its height. 

The repair design will raise the outer 6,500 feet of the jetty’s crest to +23 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) and the inner 1,000 feet to +20 feet MLLW. By reinforcing the areas hardest hit by waves and securing new armor stone along the channel side, the project will prevent future rock loss, adapt to sea-level rise, and stop a structural breach to keep the channel secure. 

When will construction start? What is the anticipated schedule of the project?

Residents will begin to see USACE and contractor presence at North Jetty and in Ocean Shores between June to July 2026. Teams will be onsite to conduct preconstruction surveys for Western Snowy Plovers and Streaked Horned Lark, as well as preconstruction hydrographic, topographic, LiDAR and existing road condition surveys. Management staff and initial sitework equipment will mobilize by early to mid-July. By mid to late July, the staging area will be cleared and grubbed, along with grading and site work at those areas. Initial deliveries of armor stone will begin and continue throughout the year. By early August 2026, we’ll continue mobilizing and preparing the site, including installing access roads, and placing temporary fencing to ensure site safety. Within the month of August, armor stone placement on the jetty itself is expected to begin. 

How many trucks will be delivering construction materials each day?

On average, there will be around 10 trucks coming to the construction site each workday. Occasionally, the maximum number of trucks will be 20-30.

How can I stay up-to-date on the details of this project?

USACE will post relevant schedule updates or notices to this page.