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Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) today secured $3.34 million in federal funds for the design and construction of a new recreational pier in Long Branch. Pallone said he hopes the federal funds will help the city attract additional money from state and other sources to move forward on the project, which is of historical significance to the city.
The funds were included in a Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users ("TEA-LU") conference report, a $286.4 billion multi-year transportation reauthorization bill that the U.S. House of Representatives approved today. The conference report reconciled separate transportation bills passed earlier this year by the House and Senate.
"From when I was a child, the Long Branch pier was a focal point for recreational activities in the city," Pallone said. "It was the pride of Long Branch. I hope the new pier will accomplish the same purpose in the near future.
"The fishing pier was always the best place to fish at the Jersey Shore, and is the most important part of this project as far as I am concerned," the New Jersey congressman continued.
The City of Long Branch plans to turn the site into a regional tourist hub that includes a fishing pier, a ferry terminal, food and entertainment services, events and exhibitions, and an ecology museum.
"The ferry terminal provides an alternative way for people to visit Long Branch and the Monmouth County shoreline without having to worry about traffic or parking," Pallone continued.
The Senate is expected to vote on the conference report later today and then the bill will be sent to President Bush for his signature.
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