|
Pallone Requests Priority Funding For Deal Lake Wall Restoration |
|
| |
|
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06) Monday sent the following letter to New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin requesting expedited funding for restoration of the Deal Lake wall in the Village of Loch Arbour, New Jersey.
Currently, the wall is in a state of severe disrepair. As a result of the deterioration flooding has caused sinkholes and obstructed traffic on adjacent roadways. Portions of the lakefront are closed off because the retaining wall is unstable.
“I urge the NJDEP to act quickly to provide funding for the repair of the wall,” said Pallone. “The disrepair has already caused significant disruption in the community and affected residents’ ability to enjoy the benefits of the lake, especially for fishermen who stand on the seawall to fish from the lake.”
Efforts to restore the wall began in 2004 when the NJDEP provided funding for the first of three phases of wall repair. The second and third phases of repair remain unfunded. This has been an ongoing pursuit for the village of Loch Arbour since 2004. Deal Lake is the largest lake in Monmouth County and is one of the largest lakes in the state.
April 19, 2010
Bob Martin, Commissioner
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
401 E. State St.
P.O. Box 402
Trenton, NJ 08625-0402
Dear Commissioner Martin,
I write today to request expedited consideration for funding to complete restoration of the Deal Lake wall in the Village of Loch Arbour, New Jersey.
The partial restoration that was done in 2004 repaired only the 1,000 feet of wall that completely collapsed. The repair plans and specifications were based on the expectation that two additional rounds of funding would be provided to restore the remaining 2,000 feet. For the last four years the funding has not been provided. During that time, the wall has continued to deteriorate at a rapid pace, presenting a growing threat of a catastrophic collapse. I understand that funding for this project will come out of the shore protection fund, which is intended for this specific purpose. In light of our emergent need and the long wait for funding, I am requesting an update on the projects currently receiving funding through this account.
The Deal Lake wall is in a severe state of disrepair that causes traffic issues on the adjacent roadways. Large sections of the wall are collapsing into the lake, thus eliminating any barrier between the roadway and the lake and creating dangerous driving conditions.
Furthermore, residents and fishermen that use the lake and lakeside areas for recreation have been unable to take advantage of these areas due to the dangers of the deteriorating wall. The village has also been unable to maintain the lawn alongside the lake due to pieces of the wall crumbling and sinkholes forming.
As one of the smallest municipalities in New Jersey, Loch Arbour does not have the financial resources to address this problem. I respectfully request this project be given priority consideration by the NJDEP. I plan to follow up on this letter with a phone call and I look forward to your timely response. Please also copy any response to Loch Arbour President Betty McBain.
Sincerely,
FRANK PALLONE, JR.
Member of Congress
|
|
| |
| ### |
|
