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Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced today that the U.S. House of Representatives approved a Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 omnibus bill that includes his request of funds that will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to continue critical shore protection and flood control projects in Monmouth County.
The House approved a $410 billion spending bill that combines nine appropriations bills into one omnibus bill funding domestic programs and foreign operations for FY 2009, which officially began on October 1, 2008. The bill now goes to the Senate for its approval before heading to the president's desk for his signature.
"Monmouth County communities deserve to be better protected from flooding and beach erosion," Pallone said. "Congress should be commended for recognizing how important beach replenishment and flood control projects are to the Jersey shore."
Sandy Hook to Barnegat Inlet
The House approved $957,000 for beach restoration and storm damage protection for highly populated communities and infrastructure located along 21 miles of shoreline from the Township of Sea Bright to the Manasquan Inlet. The project provides for the construction of a 100-foot wide beach berm, notching existing stone groins and outfall pipe extensions, and includes periodic nourishment of the restored beaches on a 6-year cycle.
Port Monmouth
The House approved $957,000 for the Port Monmouth portion of the Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction project. The funding would allow the Corps to complete construction activities on the first phase of the project, which involves beach replenishment to create a storm buffer.
Shark River
The House approved $719,000 to continue work on maintenance dredging of the Shark River, which has an inlet connected to the Atlantic Ocean.
Poplar Brook
The House approved Section 205 Continuing Authority Program (CAP) funding for the Poplar Brook flood control project. Poplar Brook floods regularly, including a devastating flood that occurred in October 2005.
Shrewsbury River (Flood Control)
The House approved $191,000 to complete a concept design study of a remedy for the flooding problems of the Shrewsbury River and surrounding area. A feasibility study was initiated in January 2002 and funding is necessary to continue work on problem identification, data collection, team site visits and survey and mapping activities.
Shrewsbury River (Maintenance Dredging)
The House approved $111,000 to begin a maintenance dredging of the Shrewsbury River. The river was last dredged in 1997, and the dredging cycle is approximately every six to ten years.
Highlands
The House approved $191,000 to complete the feasibility study for the Highlands component of the Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction project.
Keansburg
The House approved $183,000 for creation of plans and specifications for construction work in the Townships of Keansburg, East Keansburg, and Laurence Harbor, of the Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction project.
Leonardo
The House approved $96,000 to continue the feasibility study for the Leonardo Storm Damage Reduction project. Low-lying residential and commercial structures in the area experience flooding caused by coastal storm damage inundation.
Keyport
The House approved $24,000 to continue the feasibility study for the Keyport Storm Damage Reduction project. Keyport currently has no protective beach seaward of its bulkheads, and most of the bulkheads near the west side are extremely low and allow frequent flooding. Funding is needed to complete the feasibility study, which could be done this year.
Union Beach
The House approved $96,000 to continue the preconstruction, engineering and design phase of the Union Beach Storm Damage Reduction project.
Shoal Harbor and Compton Creek
The House approved $278,000 to continue planning for a proposed maintenance dredging of Shoal Harbor and Compton Creek, located in Belford. A detailed project report completed in FY 1992 recommended deepening the inner channel to 10 feet and the outer channel to 14 feet.
Sandy Hook Bay at Leonardo Federal Channel
The House approved $37,000 to perform a maintenance dredging of Sandy Hook Bay at Leonardo Federal Channel, located in Sandy Hook Bay west of Sandy Hook and east of Belford. The project provides for an entrance channel eight feet deep, 150 feet wide, and approximately 2,500 feet long.
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