The Corps’ work in shore protection began in 1930, when Congress directed it to study ways to reduce erosion along U.S. seacoasts and the Great Lakes. Hurricane protection work was added to the erosion control mission in 1955, when Congress directed it to conduct investigations along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts to identify problem areas and determine the feasibility of protection.

While each situation the Corps studies involves different considerations, engineers always consider engineering feasibility and economic efficiency along with the environmental and social impacts. Federal participation in a shore protection project varies, depending on shore ownership, use and type and frequency of benefits. If there is no public use or benefit, the Corps will not recommend federal participation. Once the project is complete, non‑federal interests assume responsibility for its operation and maintenance. The New England District has completed 38 shore protection projects in the region.

One shore protection method popular in seaside communities is beach nourishment ‑ the periodic replenishment of sand along the shoreline to replace that lost to storms and erosion. Authorized nourishment projects usually have a nourishment period of 50 years. In addition, Section 145 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 authorizes placement of beach quality sand from Corps dredging projects on nearby beaches. Under Section 933 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, local sponsors pay the federal government 50 percent of the additional costs of this placement of sand.

New England District has been a pioneer in the construction of hurricane protection barriers. NED has constructed and operates hurricane barriers in Stamford, CT, and New Bedford, MA. Additionally NED has constructed barriers in Providence, RI; Pawcatuck, CT; and New London, CT. The local communities have assumed responsibility for their operation and maintenance.