Pallone: House Approves Funding for Beach Replenishment & Flood Control Projects

Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced today that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Conference Report, which will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to continue critical shore protection and flood control projects in Monmouth County. The conference report reconciled differences between the House and Senate appropriations bills that were passed earlier this year. The final report now goes to the President's desk for his review and signature.

“These funds are a critical investment in beach protection and flood control projects in Monmouth County,” Pallone said. “The Army Corps will now be able to move forward with these projects so that communities are better protected from flooding and beach erosion. The nation’s infrastructure is starting to age and in some cases wear down. These projects are vital to the Jersey shore economy and will ensure our shores and residents are kept safe.”

Sandy Hook to Barnegat Inlet

The House approved $1.89 million 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 $921,000 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 $380,000 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. Once the feasibility study is completed, this funding will be used for the design and construction phase of this project.

Shrewsbury River (Flood Control)

The House approved $458,000 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.

Highlands

The House approved $238,000 to complete the feasibility study for the Highlands component of the Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction project.

Shoal Harbor and Compton Creek

The House approved $80,000 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.

Leonardo

The House approved $22,000 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.

Union Beach

The House approved $90,000 to continue the preconstruction, engineering and design phase of the Union Beach Storm Damage Reduction project.