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Beach Renourishment Projects Should Receive Additional Funding
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. sent the following letter to Lieutenant General Robert L. Van Antwerp, Jr., at theU.S. Army Corps of Engineers to express his concern about funding for beach renourishment projects. Rep. Pallone believes funding for renourishment projects should continue to be a priority so that coastal areas have adequate protection in anticipation of future storms.
November 24, 2009
Lieutenant General Robert L. Van Antwerp, Jr.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
441 G. Street, NW
Washington, DC 20314-1000
Dear Lieutenant General Van Antwerp,
In light of the recent storms that hit the Northeast, I am writing to urge you to request a full damage assessment of coastal projects from the New York District. Once the data is compiled I encourage the Army Corps of Engineers to re-evaluate its current budget priorities to ensure that New Jersey’s coastal areas are not susceptible to major storm damage.
As you know, beach renourishment projects provided significant protection from the recent storms. However, many communities in my district have lost large quantities of sand and are now increasingly vulnerable to future storms. The damage assessment I am requesting will provide Congress and the Office of Management and Budget further evidence of the need for additional storm protection funds.
Once the assessment is finished, it is imperative we work to ensure the appropriate funds are available for authorized projects. Due to the severity of the damage I encourage the Army Corps of Engineers to use all of its budget tools to provide funding for areas in need, including recently allocated Recovery Act funding.
Once again, storm damage reminds us that beach nourishment projects are critical to protecting our communities against major weather disasters. Residents and businesses in my district were saved from having to rebuild critical infrastructure because of the well-maintained beaches. We need to ensure that we renourish those coastal protection projects as soon as possible.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
_____________________
FRANK PALLONE, JR.
Member of Congress
CC: Colonel John R. Boulé II, Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District
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