Construction of two hurricane barriers to protect the coastal communities of New Bedford and Fairhaven, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island is nearly complete. The projects include navigation gates, pumping stations, street closures, cooling water canal, and numerous utility gates. Operation of these various features introduces many problems not generally encountered in flood control projects on rivers. Delineation of responsibilities, with close coordination and cooperation between governmental agencies and local interests is essential to assure full effectiveness of the structures during hurricane conditions.