Successive northeasterly extensions of protective bulkheads and groins 

 were made by the State until such measures passed the former nodal point. 

 The most northerly sections of bulkhead were generally ineffective. 

 Recession continued, and the highway in that area was destroyed in 19U6. 

 The cooperative project authorized by the River and Harbor Act of 195U 

 provided for artificial placement of sand fill, and construction of a 

 seawall, bulkhead, and a groin system along the neck portion of the 

 peninsula. The project was constructed in 1955-1956 generally in 

 accordance with the recommended plan. During the two years immediately 

 after completion of the project, the wind pattern, wave action, and ice 

 conditions have been quite similar to the normal long-range pattern for 

 a preceding 29-year period. Lake levels during the ice-free period of 

 1957 were almost identical with the 99-year mean levels for the same 

 months, and during 1958 the level was 0.9 foot below the long-term mean 

 level. Survey data obtained in the falls of 1956, 1957 and 1958 were 

 used for estimating the rate of loss of the material from within the 

 limits of the original beach fill and for prediction of future 

 replenishment requirements, A comparison of these data indicates an 

 annual loss of about 15U,000 cubic yards from within the original 

 beach fill limits. 



The District Engineer determined the rates of loss and movement of 

 the sand fill, and developed a periodic nourishment plan for maintaining 

 a suitable protective and recreational beach. He concluded, and the 

 Division Engineer and Beach Erosion Board concurred, that placement 

 of a maximum of approximately 15U,000 cubic yards of sand will be 

 required annually. The District and Division Engineers and the Beach 

 Erosion Board found that the project for protection and improvement of 

 Presque Isle Peninsula is amply justified by prospective benefits. 

 The Board stated that the State has made many improvements in park 

 facilities since completion of the beach fill and that these improve- 

 ments increase the benefits from shore protection and enhance the use 

 of the recreational beaches. The Board also concurred in the view 

 that periodic nourishment is the most suitable and economical measure 

 for stabilizing the shores of the peninsula and is thus eligible for 

 Federal aid in accordance with the provisions of Public Law 826, 8hth 

 Congress, Accordingly the Beach Erosion Board recommended modification 

 of the existing Federal project for Presque Isle Peninsula to authorize 

 Federal participation by the contribution of Federal funds in the amount 

 of one-third of the costs of periodic nourishment of the shore for a 

 period of 10 years from the year of the first major nourishment operation, 

 all generally in accordance with the plan of the District Engineer with 

 such modifications thereof as in the discretion of the Chief of Engineers 

 may be advisable. 



The Chief of Engineers concurred in the views and recommendations of 

 the Beach Erosion Board. 



48 



