USA: Congressman Announces Start of Monmouth Beach Replenishment

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the Army Corps of Engineers beach replenishment project in Monmouth Beach is now underway.

The $8.5 million allocated for this project was awarded as a result of a request by Congressman Pallone in order to protect the area from the devastating effects of storms like Hurricane Sandy. A Sea Bright portion of the project is also planned.

The Army Corps of Engineers will place sand north of where the most recent local re-nourishment work was completed. The Corps started the work north of the Monmouth Beach and Tennis Club and will then move north towards Sea Bright. Congressman Pallone requested the funding before Hurricane Sandy, and it was approved last year as part of fiscal year 2012’s appropriations legislation.

“One month ago, when Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New Jersey we saw the clear value of flood mitigation projects like beach replenishment. In many instances, beach replenishment and sand dunes are the reason homes are still standing,” said Pallone. “While we can’t turn back the clock and better protect the areas of the Shore that were devastated by Hurricane Sandy, projects like this will help protect our towns from future storm damage, so we can rebuild a stronger New Jersey.”

“The Army Corps is pleased to be able to partner with the state of New Jersey to conduct this coastal storm risk reduction work, especially in light of the recent severe impacts throughout the region from Hurricane Sandy,” said New York District Commander Col. Paul Owen. “As an added bonus, this work should not only help to mitigate some of the impacts of future coastal storms but will also help provide the community improved recreation and lead to economic benefits as well.”

Following Sandy’s devastating impact on New Jersey, Congressman Pallone requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) allocate emergency funding to the Army Corps of Engineers so they may address immediate needs of impacted homeowners and businesses, as well as repair breached dunes and damaged beaches to protect New Jersey’s coastal areas from future flooding. Congressman Pallone also requested additional Army Corps of Engineers funds in an emergency supplemental appropriations bill to pay for flood protection projects that have been authorized but not yet funded for construction.

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Press Release, December 3, 2012