FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 25, 2024

 Pallone Marks Final Phase of Port Monmouth Flood Project, 12 Years After Sandy 

 Port Monmouth, NJ –  Twelve years after Superstorm Sandy devastated Port Monmouth, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. returned today to launch the final phase of the Port Monmouth Storm Risk Reduction Project. 

 Joined by representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Pallone reflected on the progress made and the federal investments driving it. “This project began as a promise after Sandy—to rebuild smarter, stronger, and protect our communities from climate change,” said Pallone. “With this final phase underway, Port Monmouth will finally have the protection it needs for the future. This is a model for how the federal government can partner with local communities to safeguard our coastline.”

The $61.8 million phase includes floodwalls along Highway 36, drainage systems, levees, and road closure gates along Compton Creek between Campbell Avenue and Broadway. These improvements are designed to protect homes, businesses, and infrastructure from storm surges and rising sea levels.

Pallone, instrumental in securing funding through the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013, highlighted the personal impact of the project. “It’s impossible to forget the destruction Sandy brought here,” Pallone said. “This isn’t just about flood protection—it’s about restoring security to the Bayshore and ensuring families and businesses don’t live in fear of the next storm.”

The project, part of a broader effort to improve New Jersey’s coastal resilience, is fully funded by the USACE and expected to be completed in 2028. When finished, it will include extensive beachfill, wetlands mitigation, tide gates, concrete floodwalls, raised roads, and interior drainage improvements to manage heavy rainfall and storm surges. 

Today’s milestone underscores the importance of federal investments in confronting the realities of climate change and protecting New Jersey’s coastline. 

 “This contract award represents our ongoing commitment to safeguarding coastal communities against the increasing threat of severe weather events,” said Colonel Alex Young, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District. "Partnering with a capable small business underscores our dedication to supporting local enterprises while delivering essential flood risk management solutions." “Today marks a historic step for climate resilience efforts in New Jersey,” Commissioner LaTourette said. “We are deeply grateful to our partners at the Army Corps of Engineers and our Congressional delegation for their commitment to the completion of this project. More than a decade in the making, this project provides valuable community flood protection against future storms and sea-level rise, while enhancing and protecting the Raritan Bay shorelines and marsh systems that provide critical wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities. I am proud to join Congressman Pallone and Colonel Young to celebrate the award of this contract that will enhance climate resilience, create jobs and secure a stronger future for Port Monmouth.”

May 20, 2019 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

This past Monday at the Middletown Township Committee meeting, the Township Committee presented a proclamation to recognize the 2019 Mayors For A Day. Five elementary school students were selected from various schools in the township to represent their schools as Mayor for a day.

Ordinance 2019-3255 was adopted to provide the Army Corps of Engineers access to township owned property to aid in Phase 2 of the Pt. Monmouth flood control project. The properties designated are the former skate park and the commuter parking lot at the corner of Wilson Ave and Rt. 36.

A number of residents from the Hartshorne Woods area came to inquire when their roads would be repaired. They were especially concerned about Indian Hill Rd, which they said is washing away. The elected officials said the road would be paved by September.



As always you can download a copy of the Meeting Agenda that contains the discussion items and the proposed resolutions and ordinances that were voted on or presented during the meeting. A box around an item is a link, bringing you further into the document to that resolution or ordinance. At the end of the resolution there will be a link bringing you back to the agenda. Attached to this agenda is also the monthly bill list, so that everyone can see how the Township is spending our tax dollars.

Pallone, Army Corps and DEP Announce Beginning of Construction for Phase II of $105 million project for Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction in Port Monmouth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2016


Long Branch, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) joined Colonel David A. Caldwell, Commander of the New York District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bob Martin, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection and Middletown Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger, to mark the beginning of construction for Phase II of the Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project in Port Monmouth.

In July of 2016, the Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $13,696,687.00 contract to fulfill this second phase of the project. The plans for Phase II include constructing a system of levees, a floodwall, a tide gate, road closure structures, road raising and pump stations The awarded contract is specifically for the construction of the flood wall and a road closure gate east of the existing Keansburg levee. Phase I was successfully completed in June of 2015. This contract is part of the estimated $105 million project to protect Port Monmouth, and is paid for by funds in the Sandy relief package that Pallone worked to secure in 2013.

“All along the Bayshore, flooding has become an increasingly common as severe storms have become more frequent and residential and commercial development has increased,” said Pallone. “That’s why I’m pleased to see this project moving forward with the funds we worked to secure after Sandy. I will continue to work with the Army Corps of Engineers and DEP to ensure that Phase II is completed on budget and in a timely manner.”

“Today marks an important milestone for this critical project, which will ultimately see floodwalls, levees, a tide gate, road closure structures and pump stations throughout Port Monmouth,” said Bob Martin, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. “The Port Monmouth Coastal Storm Risk Reduction project will provide protection to low-lying residential and commercial structures. It marks another key component in the Christie Administration’s plan to bring greater resiliency to coastal and flood-prone areas of the state.”

"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, is thrilled to have reached this significant milestone in the groundbreaking of Phase 2 for the Port Monmouth Coastal Strom Risk Reduction Project," said Col. David Caldwell, Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District. "We're in the middle of another Hurricane season and though we haven't been directly impacted, I believe the events taking place in other parts of the country re-emphasize the need to continue increasing the resiliency of our towns and communities with robust flood risk reduction projects like those currently underway in Port Monmouth. This brings us one step closer to that goal."

“The start of the Port Monmouth Flood Control Project’s second phase is a welcome sight since it means we’re another step closer to recovery after Superstorm Sandy,” said Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger, Ph.D.. “Port Monmouth homeowners and businesses will be safer in the future thanks to the flood control measures that are being constructed. The Army Corps of Engineers has been doing a great job and we are looking forward to seeing the project completed.”
The first phase of the project was completed in June of 2015 and involved dune restoration, beach replenishment, groin work, extension of the fishing pier, and construction of protective dunes. The Army Corps of Engineers estimates the project will be completed in its entirety by 2019.

ICYM - Pt Monmouth Flood Control Project Info Session Oct 29

Middletown Public Information - 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), will be holding a public information session to provide a status update on the Port Monmouth Flood Control Project which will include briefing the current alignment, phases and features of the project with some visual aids. The Corps will also provide an update on the status of the upcoming construction contracts.

Details concerning the public information session are as follows:

Date: October 29, 2015
Time: 7-9 PM Location: VFW Post 2179 , 1 Veterans Ln
Port Monmouth, NJ 07758 , (732) 787-0999

The Port Monmouth Flood Control project involves the construction of about 7,070 feet of levees, 3,585 feet of floodwalls, 2,640 feet of dune, and beach renourishment at 10-year intervals along the Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay in Port Monmouth Middletown Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey. The Army Corps of Engineers will execute 5 construction contracts in order to complete this project. The entire project cost is an estimated $105M. The first contract involved building a new groin, pier extension, dune and beach berm system. It also included 2,640 feet of protective dunes with a wide flat beach berm in front of the dune and nourishment of the beach with roughly 400,000 cubic yards of sand. The project was completed in June 2015 and cost roughly $18M.

Detailed design work is ongoing for work to be accomplished in the 2nd phase of the Project which will include a system of levees, floodwall, closure gates, pump stations, road raising and other elements to reduce risks from coastal flooding. The Corps expects to begin awarding contracts for the 2nd phase in May 2016.

Pallone Announces Completion of Phase One of Port Monmouth Flood Control Project

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced the completion of the first phase of the Port Monmouth Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project. This $18 million project will reduce the risks that coastal storms pose to residents and businesses in the Port Monmouth area. The project is federally funded through the Sandy relief package that Pallone fought for and helped to pass in Congress. For the announcement in Bayshore Waterfront Park, Congressman Pallone was joined by Colonel David Caldwell, Commander of the New York District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“The Port Monmouth flood control project will protect homes and businesses in our area from future flooding,” said Congressman Pallone. “I have worked for years to bring this project to fruition, so I’m especially pleased to announce the completion of the critical first phase. Port Monmouth, like so many other coastal New Jersey communities, faced serious flooding during Hurricane Sandy. All along the Bayshore, flooding has become an increasingly common phenomenon as severe storms have become more frequent and residential and commercial development has increased. The project strengthens our local infrastructure, reduces the risk of future flood damage and will keep our community safe.”

The first phase of the project included dune restoration, beach replenishment, groin work, extension of the fishing pier, and construction of protective dunes. Pallone highlighted the fact that the project will address major flood prevention to protect the low-lying residential and commercial areas in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown Township.

The project’s second phase will include constructing a system of levees, a floodwall, a tide gate, road closure structures, road regarding and pump stations. The entire $105 million project will be funded by the Sandy relief package and will offer significant protection to the area, which has suffered frequent flooding, erosion and damage from rain and coastal storms in recent years. The Army Corps of Engineers expects to begin awarding contracts for the second phase in May 2016 so that construction for the full project could be completed by 2019.

Pallone Announces $17.7 Million Contract Awarded for Port Monmouth Flood Control Project

PORT MONMOUTH, NJ — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $17.7 million contract for the first phase of the Port Monmouth Coastal Storm Risk Management Project to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company of Oak Brook, Illinois. The project will reduce the risks that coastal storms pose to residents and businesses in the Port Monmouth area. The project will be federally funded through the Sandy relief package that Pallone fought for and helped to pass in Congress in January 2013.

This first phase of the project includes dune restoration, beach replenishment, groin work, extension of the fishing pier, and construction of 2,640 feet of protective dunes, which will involve roughly 400,000 cubic yards of sand. Work is expected to begin this summer.

"I am very glad to hear that work is set to begin on this crucial project, which will protect so many homes and businesses in our area from future flooding,” said Pallone. “Many in Port Monmouth faced serious flooding during Sandy. All along the Bayshore, flooding has become an increasingly common phenomenon as severe storms have become more frequent and residential and commercial development has increased. The work being done will strengthen our local infrastructure and reduce future damages. I am pleased that this project is finally underway.”

Pallone announced that this flood control project will address major flood prevention to protect the low-lying residential and commercial areas in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown Township. The project’s second phase will include constructing a system of levees, a floodwall, and nearby pump stations. The entire $110 million project will be funded by the Sandy relief package and will offer significant protection to the area, which has suffered frequent flooding, erosion and damage from rain and coastal storms in recent years.

Pallone Announces Agreement Signed to Begin Port Monmouth Flood Control Project

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that this morning, Jo-Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), signed the Port Monmouth Project Partnership Agreement, the contract between the Army Corps of Engineers and the state of New Jersey formally outlining the terms and conditions of Port Monmouth flood control project. Construction on the project will move forward in the coming months. The project will be constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers with federal dollars from the Sandy relief package passed by Congress in January 2013.

"I am glad to hear that the Army Corps of Engineers and the state of New Jersey have reached an agreement and that construction on this crucial project, which will protect homes and businesses from future flooding, can begin,” said Pallone. “Many in Port Monmouth faced serious flooding during Sandy. All along the Bayshore, flooding has become an increasingly common phenomenon as severe storms have become more frequent and residential and commercial development has increased. I am pleased that this project will finally be underway.”

Pallone announced that the Army Corps of Engineers will address major flood prevention to protect the low-lying residential and commercial areas in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown Township. The plans will include the construction of nearly 7,070 feet of levees, 3,585 feet of floodwalls and 2,640 feet of dune and beach renourishment. The entire $91 million project will be funded by the Sandy relief package and will offer significant protection to the area, which has suffered frequent flooding, erosion and damage from rain and coastal storms.

The Army Corps of Engineers will likely begin advertising the first portion of the project in March 2014, with the contract scheduled to be awarded in May 2014. This phase of the project includes dune restoration, beach replenishment, the construction of a terminal groin and extension of the fishing pier, involving roughly 400,000 cubic yards of sand. The larger flood control aspect of the project, which includes levees, floodwalls, a pumping station and a tide gate, is slated to begin construction in 2015.

Nothing Informative about Thursday Night’s Port Monmouth Flood Project Meeting

Thursday night’s Port Monmouth Flood Project meeting which was held at the Port Monmouth's VFW post 2179, was an embarrassment.

What was billed as a non-political meeting to inform, discuss, and update Port Monmouth residents about the long proposed Port Monmouth Flood Project and how the project would prevent widespread flooding from ever happening again, turned ugly when residents became unruly when they realized that they weren’t there to ask question or discuss what can or would be done to help them rebuild their homes and lives after Superstorm Sandy, rather they were there to sign a petition! A petition I would say, designed to hold Congressman Frank Pallone responsible for all the flooding that has taken place in Port Monmouth since 1991 if congressional funds were not secured for the flood project that has been in planning stages for years.

(photo from Middletown Patch)

Honestly, this meeting seemed more like a Middletown Republican campaign rally designed to bash Congressman Pallone (who last week held a “telephone town hall” meeting with 400 Port Monmouth residents to discuss how $91 million of Hurricane Sandy relief funds had been secured from Congress to finally, fully implement the Port Monmouth Flood project) rather than a simple information session designed to inform residents of what can be done to help the neighborhoods of Port Monmouth affected by the storm.

The meeting was put together by Cathy Rogers, a GOP County Committee person for her district in Port Monmouth and whose husband happens to be Charlie Rogers, Middletown’s Office of Emergency Management director. Also in attendance were Middletown’s former mayor, Committeeman Tony Fiore, Committeeman Kevin Senttembrino, Committeewoman Stephanie Murray, Assemblywoman Amy Handlin and Monmouth County Freeholder John Curley.

Rogers opened the show by telling everyone how she, herself had experienced flooding in the past and how she had worked so hard over the years to see that flooding issues in Port Monmouth were addressed by the township (which never happened). She than passed her microphone to a representative from Congressman Pallone’s office (Pallone couldn’t attend, he was required to be in Congress this day for an upcoming vote), who read a prepared statement outlining the scope of the flood project and time frame for its implementation. The microphone was then handed back to Rogers, who went on to stated that she had spoken to Congressman Pallone and would believe what she heard from him, when she saw the work beginning. She said even though this meeting was NOT political, she wanted to stressed that it was extremely important to hold the congressman’s feet to the fire, in order to make sure that the $91 million was released and the work begun (which brought cheers from some of those in attendance and cat-calls from others, for Pallone to be thrown out of office if work doesn’t start soon). Cathy Rogers then handed off the microphone to other officials for comments.

Tony Fiore spoke about how he had worked tirelessly (a vast overstatement) on the issue during his time on the township committee and as mayor, stating how he had went down to Washington DC a couple of times to lobby lawmakers for help in securing funds to alleviate the flooding problems. Assemblywoman Handlin talked about how she also spoke with Congressman Pallone prior to the meeting and expressed her frustration with him for not doing more to secure funds for this project in his previous 20+ years in congress. When Freeholder Curley finally commandeered the microphone, he nearly turned the meeting into a frenzied TEA Party rally! Curley raised his voice and said how he was there to fight for them, the residents of Port Monmouth, and couldn’t fathom how billions of dollars a year in foreign aid could be sent overseas to places in Europe, the Middle-East and Africa with little regard to taking care of Americans first. This of course brought further hoots and howls from the audience and quickly degenerated into calls for Pallone’s ouster if the flood project did not proceed as promised.

At this point Cathy Rogers took back the microphone, amid shouted out questions that went unanswered and calls for further help and explanations as to what people are supposed to do with their lives and homes, she decided that the meeting had gone on long enough ( less than an hour) and was over. But before encouraging audience members to sign her petition and then come up and talk to the invited officials in attendance, she thanked everyone for coming out and once again stated that the purpose of meeting was not to be political, BUT if... if, Frank Pallone didn’t come through on the funding as promised this time, she would make it so!

So much for the night being non-political.

There’s a lot that can be said about Thursday night which I won’t get into at this time but in my opinion, this event was nothing but political and was designed to insight the already frustrated and desperate residents who lost so much during and after Hurricane Sandy. To constantly say that the meeting was non-political and then proceed to bash Frank Pallone as being ineffectual, a due nothing and worthless member of Congress, who doesn’t care about Middletown or its residents - all the while, touting the many things that you and others have done (which in itself is both debatable and laughable) to bring about a resolution to the area’s flood issues is pathetic.

And it wasn’t just me or the people that I met there that thought so.

As I was walking out of the Port Monmouth VFW, I heard other groups of people who were frustrated and huddled together, talking amongst themselves and expressing the same sentiments. They thought that they were there to discuss their problems with township officials regarding assistance with issues related to rebuilding their homes, along with what township could do to help alleviate some of the flooding that is currently ongoing due to clogged drainage pipes and flood gates that don’t work properly.

Instead they attended a pep-rally that called for Congressman Pallone’s head if progress wasn’t made to end the flooding in Port Monmouth.