The long-planned project to re-engineer the East Chop bluff got a major boost with an announcement by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that it has awarded $10 million to the town.

A multi-million-dollar project to engineer and stabilize the badly eroded bluff along East Chop Drive has seen its timeline pushed farther into the future, while town officials worry about ongoing deterioration.

Oak Bluffs selectmen voted to permanently close East Chop Drive to vehicles; bicycles and pedestrians will still be allowed.

A plan to repair and stabilize the East Chop bluff won approval with conditions Thursday night from the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.

East Chop Drive is closed until further notice due to further deterioration of the bluff caused by the recent gauntlet of northeasters hammering the coast.

A project to restore the eroding East Chop Bluff is inching closer to reality, although the town is still seeking funding for the $17 to $20 million project.

A plan of action for the eroding East Chop Bluff is taking shape in Oak Bluffs, where the town recently received state funding to get started on a substantial restoration.

Oak Bluffs got an early Christmas present this week from the state, which has awarded $225,000 to fund design work to protect the eroding bluff. The bluff underlies the scenic but endangered East Chop Drive.

The seaward side of East Chop Drive will remain closed until further notice, as the bluff beneath continues to experience erosion. Selectmen voted this week to restrict traffic on the scenic drive, making this the first time the road has been limited to one lane during the summer.

A recent engineering study of the East Chop bluff has revealed further deterioration of the region, which was severely damaged by erosion and major storm events in recent years.

But help may be on its way.