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 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.
