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Pallone Expects Large-Scale Monmouth County Shore Protection Projects from Sandy Relief Aid

February 26, 2013

Long Branch, NJ—After thorough analysis of the provisions of the Sandy relief package passed by Congress in January, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today noted several initial large-scale projects he expects to be completed to restore damage to the Jersey Shore caused by Superstorm Sandy. Based on his interpretation of the Sandy aid bill, Pallone pointed to these projects in Monmouth County that he expects the Army Corps of Engineers to move forward with as part of the relief plan. Pallone stressed that these projects only represent a preliminary list and that other projects may be forthcoming.

The projects named by Pallone would provide an unprecedented investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in beach replenishment and flood protection in the Sixth Congressional District. Much of the work to be done will expand pre-Sandy efforts, as well as improve these projects beyond damage from the devastating storm.

“The Jersey Shore is a treasure of our state,” said Pallone. “The Shore sustained such severe damage from Sandy, which if unaddressed, would continue to wash away our beaches and make much of the region uninhabitable. That’s why I have been insistent that restoring our coast, beaches and waterways must be a top priority for the funding from the Sandy relief package.”

One such project Pallone expects to move forward will cover 21 miles of beaches from Sandy Hook to Barnegat Inlet, which is the largest beach nourishment project ever undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers and the world’s biggest beach-fill project, in terms of sand volume. The work will include the restoration of most of the beaches from Sea Bright to the Manasquan Inlet in Monmouth County. The specific beaches to be included have yet to be finalized. The areas planned to be replenished took on some of the most severe damage along the entire Jersey Shore during Sandy. The planned work would not only restore the region to pre-storm conditions, but would make massive improvements totaling well in excess of $100 million to replenish beaches and prevent future erosion damage.

Pallone also suggested that plans should address major flood prevention efforts to protect the low-lying residential and commercial areas in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown Township. The plans would include the construction of nearly 7,070 feet of levees, 3,585 feet of floodwalls and 2,640 feet of dune and beach renourishment, which has been previously estimate to cost upwards of $90 million. The project would offer significant protection to the area, which has suffered frequent flooding, erosion and damage from rain and coastal storms.

Additionally, Pallone noted that the levees, pump station, floodwall and closure gates in Keansburg that have sustained damage since their construction over four decades ago will be repaired. These structures and flood control systems have suffered serious damage and Pallone expects that the project will likely cost over $50 million to prevent potential future flooding.

“I have fought for these projects for years because I know how important they are to protect some of our most fragile waterway infrastructure,” said Pallone. “Sadly, Sandy made some of the areas already in need of work go from bad to worse. Now, the work that must be done will not only help us rebuild from the storm, but will make improvements that we have needed for years.”

Issues:New Jersey