PROJECT NAME AND STATE:  Noyes Cut, GA

AUTHORIZATION:  Section 1135, WRDA 1986 (P.L. 99-662), as amended.

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION:  Ecosystem Restoration.  Noyes Cut is located in Camden County, Georgia, approximately 10 miles south of Brunswick, GA.  The US Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District constructed Noyes Cut as an auxiliary channel for the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in 1932.  With authorized dimensions of 50 feet wide by 5 feet deep, Noyes Cut has since grown in size and is now over 300 feet wide by 7 to 10 feet deep.  The expanded cut has altered flows in the Satilla River watershed and surrounding tidal creeks, most notably Dover Creek and Umbrella Creek.  In Dover Creek, decreased tidal flows have caused creek water to become more saline and increased shoaling has occurred, thus blocking access for migratory fish, crabs, and shrimp to the creek’s former reaches.  The selected alternative from the Feasibility Study consists of cut closures to be placed at Noyes Cut, Dynamite Cut, and Old River Run.  The cut closures are designed to restore salinity gradients, reduce local sedimentation issues, and increase connectivity for local biota.

ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED FOR FY2020:   Execute a Project Partnership Agreement for the design and implementation phase, complete pre-construction environmental monitoring, and prepare plans and specifications through the 65% design.

SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES FOR FY2021:  Complete final project design, award construction contract, and begin project construction.

ISSUES AND OTHER INFORMATION: None.  

MILESTONES:

ADMINISTRATION POSITION:  This project is consistent with Administration policy.

ACTION OFFICER:  Margarett (Mackie) McIntosh                                  25 March 2020

                                      CESAS/912-652-5320