Pallone Announces Funding for Deal Lake Wall Restoration in Loch Arbour

May 4, 2010

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06) Tuesday announced the Village of Loch Arbour will receive 75 percent of funding needed to complete restoration from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to rebuild the lake wall that has been in severe disrepair since 2004. This announcement comes in response to the long-time efforts of the village to secure funding, as well as Congressman Pallone’s April 19 letter to Commissioner Bob Martin requesting expedited funding for restoration of the wall.

“I’m glad to see NJDEP has finally responded to Loch Arbour’s request for assistance in restoring the Deal Lake wall,” said Pallone. “The residents of Loch Arbour will once again be able to enjoy the full benefits the lake has to offer.”

“A great weight has been lifted from the somber spirits of the Villagers. We are extremely grateful to Congressman Pallone, Senator Kean and Commissioner Martin for finally making the restoration of the Deal Lake wall a DEP priority,” said Betty McBain the president of the Village of Loch Arbour.

“The Deal Lake retaining wall has been in desperate need of repair,” remarked Senator Sean Kean (District 11). “The crumbling lake wall is a hazard to people who use the lake and residents of Loch Arbour. I am pleased that the NJDEP has committed to funding this critical project.”

Over the years, flooding as a result of the deterioration has caused sinkholes and obstructed traffic on adjacent roadways. Portions of the lakefront are closed off because the retaining wall is unstable. Funding provided by the NJDEP amounts to 75 percent of the total estimated cost of $2.5 million needed to complete the project.

Efforts to restore the wall began in 2004 when the NJDEP provided funding for the first of three phases of wall repair. This money fulfills the funding requirements of the second and third phases of repair. 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.