Strengthening the Shoreline: Atlantic City Begins $8.5M Chelsea Bulkhead Project to Advance Storm Resiliency

As part of its long-term vision to combat the growing threats of climate change and coastal flooding, the City of Atlantic City officially began construction on an $8.5 million Bulkhead Replacement Project in the Chelsea neighborhood on July 23, 2025. The project is one of many ongoing efforts aimed at making the city more resilient against storms and tidal surges.

The construction, managed by Richard E. Pierson Company, included replacing public bulkheads along the back bay from Albany Avenue to Morris Avenue. In addition to the structural upgrades, improvements were made to stormwater outfalls, sidewalks were restored, and new trees were planted, adding both function and aesthetic value to the neighborhood.

The project is funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and reflects the city’s strategic investment in community protection. Mayor Marty Small, Sr. emphasized that this initiative is aligned with his administration’s promise to prioritize resiliency, while also being mindful of taxpayer interests.

“The Small Administration has made a commitment to sure up our resiliency here in the Great City of Atlantic City with the best interest of our taxpayers in mind,” stated Mayor Small. “Through various projects like this, we are not only protecting our residents and businesses, but we are also investing in the future of our community.”

Beyond Chelsea, the city has launched or planned several other major infrastructure upgrades. A $16 million upgrade of the Atlantis Avenue Pump Station is expected to be completed by the end of the year. This station will help manage stormwater across Midtown and Inlet neighborhoods, reducing the risk of localized flooding.

In addition, the Ducktown Bulkhead Replacement Project and Fisherman’s Park Pump Station upgrades are scheduled to begin before the year ends. Both initiatives are partially funded by the U.S. Economic Development Agency, and represent a continuation of the city’s partnership with federal and state entities to secure funding for critical projects.

Jim Rutala, the city’s grant consultant from Rutala Associates, noted that the foundation for this comprehensive resiliency strategy was developed as early as 2012. He emphasized that the real momentum came after Mayor Small took office, resulting in a wave of successful grant applications and carefully executed infrastructure projects.

According to City Engineering Director Uzo Ahiarakwe, the Chelsea Bulkhead Replacement is just one piece of a broader puzzle. “Under this current administration there has been a strong emphasis on resiliency and addressing quality of life concerns. Chelsea bulkhead Replacement is one part of a comprehensive package in which we’re trying to address each and every component of resiliency.”

Already, previous phases of bulkhead improvements have been completed in Lower Chelsea, Chelsea Heights, and Gardner’s Basin. Additionally, most of the check valves regulating stormwater discharge have been upgraded. The city also celebrated the nearing completion of the $60 million Inlet Seawall and boardwalk project, providing a vital line of defense for the Inlet neighborhood and linking Ocean Casino Resort to Gardner’s Basin Park.

Looking forward, the city is preparing the next generation of resiliency projects. FEMA-funded studies are underway in Bungalow Park, Venice Park, Chelsea/Ducktown, and Chelsea Heights, which will inform future infrastructure and environmental improvements as funding becomes available. These studies demonstrate Atlantic City’s commitment to long-term preparedness in the face of environmental challenges.