New Jersey Representative, Chris Smith, has announced that progress has been made on restoring the beaches in Point Pleasant Beach Borough, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signaling it is planning to return to address recent erosion caused by severe weather over the past week.
“Good beaches are essential to a successful local economy, tourism, and our shore town residents ,” said Smith in his latest release. “As promised by USACE, high dunes must be accompanied by wide beaches and appropriate slopes, and we’re counting on the Corps to follow through with this important beach protection.”
Smith spoke directly to USACE earlier this week, and followed up with a letter sent to Lieutenant Colonel Kristen N. Dahle, Commander of the USACE Philadelphia District that oversees the project.
The Corps recently informed Smith that it was working on a plan of action that would get the contractor Weeks Marine back to Point Pleasant Beach for re-pumping, once the contractor completes the work in Bay Head.
“I am writing to you once again about the critical coastal storm damage reduction project in Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., in my congressional district which the Army Corps of Engineers has been diligently constructing in recent months,” Smith wrote.
“Constituents have told me first-hand accounts of seeing their long-awaited, replenished beaches nearly washed away, with sea waters reaching the very foot of the dunes,” Smith said. “I have been in contact with Point Pleasant Beach officials, as well as Keith Watson, the Corps project manager, to express my support for the borough’s request that the Corps act as quickly as is possible on concerns about restoring the beaches.”
Smith also spoke to Point Pleasant Beach Mayor, Steve Reid, to assure that he would work with the Corps to repair the recent damage.