The project on Holmes Bay in Whiting is located adjacent to Route 191, a coastal access road that runs parallel to the bay. Holmes Bay lies midway between Jonesport and Eastport.

In August 1962, a significant earthslide occurred on a section of Holmes Bay shoreline weakened from erosion caused by severe storms. The earthslide came within 40 feet of Route 191. Another earthslide occurred in 1977. To help protect Route 191, the Corps placed stone slope protection along 600 feet of the eroded shoreline.

Construction of the Holmes Bay project began in September 1979 and was completed in January 1980 at a cost of $207,400. It was built under Section 14 of the Corps’ Continuing Authorities Program.