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By Lee Weishar
The decade from 1936 to 1945 marked a period of rapid growth and national recognition for the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). As the United States faced new challenges and opportunities along its coasts, ASBPA played a pivotal role in shaping federal policy, advancing technical innovation, and advocating for public access and protection.
Federal Policy and National Advocacy
In 1936, ASBPA supported the landmark U.S. Beach Improvement and Protection Act, passed by Congress and approved by the President on June 26, 1936. This Act established the policy of federal assistance for shore protection where federal interests were involved, with the explicit purpose of promoting and encouraging the healthful recreation of the people. The Act assigned project investigations to the Beach Erosion Board, under the Corps of Engineers, and directed the Board to recommend what share of expenses should be borne by the federal government.
During this period, ASBPA was also instrumental in having the National Congress include shore protection works among the projects eligible for support under the Public Works Administration and Works Project Administration. These federal programs provided critical funding and resources for coastal communities, enabling large-scale beach nourishment and protection efforts that would have been impossible for individual property owners or small towns to undertake alone.
Technical Advances and Public Access
Automobiles bring more people to the beach.
The advent of the automobile in the late 1930s allowed the masses to reach the beaches, making public access a central issue. States like New York, New Jersey, and California led the way in securing public access to beaches. In 1937, the first National Seashore was established at Cape Hatteras, and in 1938, the Beach Erosion Board published its first technical manual, setting standards for coastal engineering practices.
The era saw significant technical advances, including the construction of sand bypassing pumps (such as at Lake Worth Inlet, FL), the development of resistance wave gauges for instrumentation, and the collection of synoptic wave data. Many advances in coastal engineering were made during this time, though some remained classified until after World War II.
Federal Commitment Deepens
In 1941, California began acquiring beach property for public use, and in 1945, President Truman authorized the federal government to fund 100% of the cost for Beach Erosion Board studies. This commitment to fully fund research and protection efforts underscored the growing recognition of beaches as vital national resources.
The 79th Congress, approved Public Law 166 on July 31, 1945, which authorized “general investigations” of erosion of the shores of the United States. The results of these investigations, conducted at federal expense, could be utilized in cooperative studies with local agencies, further strengthening the partnership between federal and local governments in protecting America’s coasts.
Leadership and Lasting Impact
Under the leadership of J. Spencer Smith, ASBPA continued to convene national conventions, such as the 1939 gathering in New York City, and fostered collaboration between federal, state, and local stakeholders. Major General J.L. Schley and Morrough P. O’Brien were among the technical leaders who advanced the science and practice of coastal engineering during this era.
The decade from 1936 to 1945 was transformative for ASBPA and for the nation’s coasts. Through advocacy, technical innovation, and federal partnership, ASBPA helped lay the groundwork for modern coastal management and ensured that America’s beaches would remain accessible, protected, and enjoyed for generations to come.
J. Spencer Smith, ASBPA President
Morrough P. O’Brien