In 2007, Massachusetts commissioned a study of publicly owned sea walls and other coastal-defense structures, grading each on its condition and potential damage to property if it failed. A sea wall can be in poor condition but be a low priority to fix because if it failed, few homes or other infrastructure would be damaged. Tom Giratikanon / Boston Globe / Sources: 2009 Massachusetts Coastal Infrastructure Inventory and Assessment Project, Town of Marblehead, Department of Conservation and Recreation

In 2007, Massachusetts commissioned a study of publicly owned sea walls and other coastal-defense structures, grading each on its condition and potential damage to property if it failed. A sea wall can be in poor condition but be a low priority to fix because if it failed, few homes or other infrastructure would be damaged.

‘Fighting a losing battle with the sea’