The Jupiter Inlet District awarded the 2024 Sand Trap contract to Ahtna Marine & Construction Company on January 11th, 2024. 

The current estimated timeline for Dredging the Inlet is as follows:

Moblization in mid-March with dredging to begin 7-10 days later. Active dredging of 139,000 cubic yards of sand continuously  for approximately 20-30 days.

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The Jupiter Inlet District dredges sediment that migrates into the inlet system from the 6.58-acre sand trap located 1,000 feet West of the inlet mouth for bypass onto beaches South of the inlet to counter erosion and to ensure safe passage per our charter.

Sand is in constant, natural motion along our coast as an ephemeral system.  Construction of inlets in the early 20th century interrupted the natural North to South flow of sand along the East coast, known as littoral drift, and increased erosion.  Sand bypass and beach renourishment projects have been proven effective in treating erosion to stabilize Florida’s coastlines and restore the natural sand transport system.  

Projects are permitted through the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and adhere to strict environmental protocols with biological monitoring to ensure the protection of natural resources and important marine habitats, including sensitive seagrass beds.  With a high volume of sea turtle nests on area beaches, all projects are scheduled in coordination with sea turtle nesting season.  The District routinely works with the Loggerhead Marinelife Center to monitor nesting activity and to make sure nesting is not adversely impacted.  

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The Jupiter Inlet District advertised a contract for the 2024 Jupiter Inlet Sand Trap Dredging and Beach Nourishment Project. The project consists of dredging approximately 139,000 cy of sand by hydraulic cutter suction dredge from the sand trap inside Jupiter Inlet, Palm Beach County, Florida and pumping the material to the beach south of Jupiter Inlet per the project plans. The selected contractor must complete the project by April 30, 2024.

Bids were opened on Monday, January 8, 2024, at the JID office at 400 North Delaware Blvd, Jupiter, Florida 33458.

The bid package (Project Manual and Drawings) is available at the following internet address: https://www.taylorengineering.com/JID-SandTrap/.