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Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced today that he is working to secure federal funding for the five shovel-ready shore protection and dredging projects along the Jersey Shore. The Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th to help save or create 3.5 million jobs, includes $4.5 billion for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to fund shovel-ready projects. The New Jersey congressman is working with the Army Corps to have some of those funds directed to the shovel-ready projects in his district.
"One of the major components of the Economic Recovery & Reinvestment Act is to create jobs and spur economic growth by moving forward with critical infrastructure projects that are ready for construction now," Pallone said. "The shore protection and dredging projects in Monmouth County are important investments that will create jobs and protect communities from flooding and beach erosion. I am working hard to ensure that the Army Corps of Engineers considers funding five projects as part of the $4.5 billion they received through the Recovery Act."
Following, are the financial needs that still exist for the five projects in Pallone's district that are ready for construction today:
Sandy Hook to Manasquan
Beach Erosion Control
The Army Corps needs $20 million to finish this project, which provides restoration and storm damage protection
Recently, the Army Corps completed a long overdue $9.34 million beach renourishment project in Long Branch that extended from Cedar Avenue toward Howland Avenue. The Army Corps was not able to go further north due to a lack of additional funds. Pallone is working to secure funding through the Recovery Act to move forward on badly needed beach replenishment in Long Branch to Monmouth Beach and Sea Bright.
Port Monmouth
Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction
The Army Corps needs $5 million 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. This project would provide protection to low-lying residential and commercial structures built upon and near salt and freshwater marshes, which experience flooding caused by storm inundation.
Leonardo Marina
Maintenance Dredging
The Army Corps needs $5.6 million to perform a maintenance dredging of Sandy Hook Bay at the Leonardo Marina. The project provides for an entrance channel eight feet deep, 150 feet wide, and approximately 2,500 feet long. The channel has not been dredged since 1991 and funding is needed for survey work and dredging.
Shrewsbury & Navesink Rivers
Maintenance Dredging
The Army Corps needs $2.7 million to perform a maintenance dredging of the Shrewsbury and Navesink rivers. The project consists of three separate channels for dredging, which includes sections of both rivers.
Shark River
Maintenance Dredging
The Army Corps would need $2.27 million to continue work on a full maintenance dredging of the Shark River, which has an inlet connected to the Atlantic Ocean. Last year, thanks to Pallone's efforts, the Army Corps dredged the Shark River Inlet to address shoaling concerns that were discovered in May. Funds secured through the Recovery Act would ensure that the Inlet continues to be safe for boaters.
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