Shoreline Stabilization and the Coastal Barrier Resources System

In general, federal expenditures and financial assistance for erosion control, or to otherwise stabilize any inlet, shoreline, or inshore area, are prohibited under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA). The following actions or projects may be excepted, provided the expenditure is consistent with the purposes CBRA. The purposes of CBRA are to minimize the loss of human life; wasteful expenditure of federal revenues; and damage to the fish, wildlife, and other natural resources associated with coastal barriers coastal barriers
Learn more about coastal barrier landforms.

Learn more about coastal barriers
by restricting federal expenditures and financial assistance which have the effect of encouraging development of coastal barriers, and by considering the means and measures by which the long-term conservation of these fish, wildlife, and other natural resources may be achieved (16 U.S.C. § 3501(b)).

  • Projects for the study, management, protection, and enhancement of fish and wildlife resources and habitats, including acquisition of fish and wildlife habitats and related lands, stabilization projects for fish and wildlife habitats, and recreational projects.
  • Assistance for emergency actions essential to the saving of lives and the protection of property and the public health and safety, if such actions are performed pursuant to sections 5170a, 5170b, and 5192 of title 42 and section 1362 1 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4103) and are limited to actions that are necessary to alleviate the emergency.
  • Nonstructural projects for shoreline stabilization that are designed to mimic, enhance, or restore a natural stabilization system. This exception does not apply to the removal of sediment from within the Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) for beach nourishment and shoreline stabilization projects located outside of the CBRS. Learn more about this topic.

Related Resources & Information

Aerial view of an undeveloped coastal freshwater pond.
We administer the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA), which encourages the conservation of storm-prone and dynamic coastal barriers by withdrawing the availability of federal funding and financial assistance within a designated set of units known as the Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS)....
Frequently Asked Questions for Nonstructural Shoreline Stabilization Projects

The Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) prohibits most new federal expenditures and financial assistance within the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS or System), including projects to prevent the erosion of or to otherwise stabilize any inlet, shoreline, or inshore area....

Aerieal view of saltwater (intertidal) wetlands.
This library collection includes resources and information related to Coastal Barrier Resources Act project consultations, as well as guidance for shoreline stabilization, disaster assistance, and property buyouts.