Although the term "regional sediment management" is relatively a new concept, recognition of the regional nature of coastal processes and the regional influence of coastal engineering projects is not.  The inter-relationship between navigation projects and contiguous beaches came to light as early as the 1930’s (Brooke 1934).  The first sand bypass systems designed to reinstate net long-shore sand transport down-drift of navigation projects were put into operation in the mid-1930’s at Santa Barbara, California (Penfield 1960) and South Lake Worth Inlet, Florida (Caldwell 1951).  What is new today is that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is pursuing RSM by collaborating with state and local governments to manage sediments over regions encompassing multiple projects.  
     In October 1999, the USACE began a RSM demonstration program for the Northern Gulf  of Mexico, which is directed by the Mobile District.  In November 2000, five additional demonstration sites were initiated: Northeast Florida (Jacksonville District), New Jersey Shore (Philadelphia District), South Shore of Long Island (New York District), Southeast Lake Michigan (Detroit District), and Southern California (South Pacific Division).  Since this time, many other Corps Districts have gotten involved with the RSM, including the Honolulu District in 2004.