“The ravages of time, nature, and development have taken their toll on the Jersey Shore, and through modern beach renourishment technology, we have the potential to maintain this natural treasure.  This study is a key element in ensuring that the Jersey Shore is available for future generations, and I am proud to have played a role in ensuring the money needed to make this a reality has come through,” said Smith.

 The final appropriation for the study is $310,000.  “Over the last three fiscal years Congress has provided $950,000 for the federal share of this particular feasibility study.  The total cost of the study is $2,520,000, and given the current funding formula, the federal share is projected to be $1.26 million.  The $310,000 appropriated today will complete the study.  The Corps has let me know they expect the draft to be completed in July 2000, but only on the assumption that full funding continues as planned.  Today’s action by the Subcommittee is a giant leap toward achieving this final goal,” said Smith.

 “The Jersey Shore attracts people from all over the country, and forms the nucleus of a $14.3 billion travel and tourism industry.  Its contributions to the U.S. tourism industry are comparable to the contributions of the interstate highway system to U.S. transportation, and the invaluable research into its preservation must be upheld,” said Smith.

 Smith said the feasibility study is a stepping stone to the next phase for beach replenishment, the pre-construction, engineering, and design phase.