Pallone Applauds Dredging of Sandy Hook Channel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2017

Dredged Sand will help Replenish Sea Bright Offshore Borrow Area

Long Branch, NJ – This week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced plans to dredge the Sandy Hook Channel and place the dredged sand in the Sea Bright Offshore Borrow Area (SBOBA). The Sandy Hook Channel was last dredged in 2015. The dredged material will be used to replenish the Sea Bright Offshore Borrow Area, which was hit hard during Superstorm Sandy.

“I applaud the Army Corps for moving forward with the dredging of the Sandy Hook Channel,” said Pallone. “This plan will help ensure safe navigation, benefit our coastal communities, and positively impact marine life by allowing us to reuse this dredged sand at a later date, instead of having to disrupt natural, underwater sand lumps. I also want to thank Clean Ocean Action for their advocacy in the moving this project forward. ”

The proposed maintenance dredging would involve the removal of approximately 350,000 cubic yards of gravel and sand to be placed at the SBOBA, which is located approximately 1 nautical mile east of Sandy Hook and has been used as a material source for beach nourishments since 1994. Clean Ocean Action has been an advocate for placing clean, dredged material from the channel in the SBOBA, since it will help alleviate the need to use natural sand formations as supplies of sand in the future.

There will be a public comment period on the proposal lasting until March 14, 2017.

Pallone Announces Contract Awarded for Beach Replenishment Project from Southern Deal to Loch Arbour

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the contract for beach replenishment from southern Deal to Loch Arbour has been awarded. The project will cover the area stretching from Philips Avenue in Deal south to Loch Arbour. The Army Corps of Engineers awarded the contract for the $38,283,230 project to Manson Construction Company. Work to replenish this stretch of the shore will begin in spring 2015. A contract award for the second half of the overall project, which includes beach replenishment from Philips Ave in Deal north to Lake Takanasee in Elberon, will be awarded later this year. The funding for this project is part of the Sandy aid package that Congressman Pallone fought for in Congress.

“I’m pleased that the Army Corps is moving forward with this important investment that will help to protect homes and businesses along the Jersey Shore from future flooding and repair the destruction caused by Sandy,” said Congressman Pallone. “Our beaches are a fundamental part of life here on the shore, both for residents to enjoy and also to drive tourism. I have fought for this and other beach replenishment projects for years because I know how important they are to protect some of our most fragile coastal infrastructure.”

This contract will cover the placement of 1,400,000 cubic yards of sand for reconstruction of the shoreline from Deal to Loch Arbour. It also includes lengthening six existing stormwater outfalls, as well as modification of two existing groins.

Originally, the Army Corps had planned to notch six groins, also known as jetties, between Elberon and Loch Arbour. However, after meeting with Congressman Pallone and concerned citizens, including fishermen, surfers and recreational users in the area, the Army Corps agreed to only notch three groins within the project area. Two groins, one at Deal Casino and the other at Marine Place, will be notched as a part of the southern Deal to Loch Arbour contract, and a third groin at Phillips Avenue will be notched under the forthcoming contract that will cover Elberon to northern Deal. The Army Corps is also working with the Deal Lake Commission to finalize plans to install an electronic gate in the Deal Lake Flume to allow the outfall to be cleared efficiently if it were to become blocked by sand, an issue which was also discussed at last year’s meeting.

"Awarding this contract, which is the first of two contracts, for the Elberon to Loch Arbour storm risk reduction project will enable the Corps to begin working on completion of the last remaining section for the 21 miles of shoreline between Sea Bright and Manasquan" said Col. Paul Owen, commander, Army Corps of Engineers, New York District. "This project is another example of great teamwork for our continued efforts to increase resiliency on the Jersey Shore in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. We have had great cooperation between the State, local municipalities, public, and political interests as we have worked together to refine and complete the plans for the project and finally award the first of two construction contracts. Once complete, this project will provide additional beach erosion control and storm risk reduction to coastal communities in New Jersey.

Free Screening, Panel Discussion of "Shored Up," Exploring Coastal Development and Sea Level Rise in New Jersey

The documentary film Shored Up, which examines the collision between coastal development and severe weather in New Jersey and North Carolina, will be shown Sept. 20 at a special screening in Rumson.

The planning advocacy group New Jersey Future, which is working with Sea Bright and Highlands on long-term recovery planning after Hurricane Sandy, is sponsoring the screening with Sea Bright Mayor Dina Long.

At the conclusion of the film, there will be a panel discussion and question-and-answer session featuring the film's director and several local coastal and environmental scientists.

The screening begins at 7:00 pm at Holy Cross School, 40 Rumson Rd. in Rumson. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Through New Jersey Future's sponsorship of the event, admission is free. Parents are welcome and childcare will be provided.

"This film does an excellent job of examining all sides of the issues surrounding the best way to develop and redevelop our shoreline," said Steve Nelson, the local recovery planning manager from New Jersey Future who is working in Sea Bright and Highlands. "We hope as many community members as possible will come to see it, and will engage in the conversation afterward. While there are no easy answers to the questions raised by the film, it's important that the entire community be involved in the dialogue, and we want this film to provide a well-informed start to the conversation."

"I made Shored Up to explore what it means to live beside the beauty of the ocean where, as we saw with Hurricane Sandy, we are always just one storm away from catastrophe," said the film's director, Ben Kalina. "In the wake of the storm, I believe that only by gaining a greater understanding of the coastal environment can we develop effective recovery strategies that will meet the diverse, long-term needs of each community."

Besides Kalina, panelists include Cindy Zipf, executive director of Clean Ocean Action; Tim Dillingham, executive director of the American Littoral Society; and Norbert Psuty, professor (emeritus) of coastal geomorphology at the Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences at Rutgers University. Dillingham and Psuty are both featured in the film. The panel will be moderated by Tony MacDonald, director of the Urban Coast Institute at Monmouth University. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions.

What: Screening of the documentary film Shored Up
When: Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Where: Holy Cross School, 40 Rumson Rd., Rumson
Admission: Free


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About New Jersey Future

New Jersey Future is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that brings together concerned citizens and leaders to promote responsible land-use policies. The organization employs original research, analysis and advocacy to build coalitions and drive land-use policies that help revitalize cities and towns, protect natural lands and farms, provide more transportation choices beyond cars, expand access to safe and affordable neighborhoods and fuel a prosperous economy. More recently, New Jersey Future has expanded its work to include local engagement and implementation, most notably in Sandy-affected communities.

Pallone Attends Disaster Recovery Workshop and Tours Rebuild of Sandy-Damaged Home

SEA BRIGHT, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) attended a workshop, hosted by Farmers Insurance and the St. Bernard Project, a national disaster recovery nonprofit organization, to discuss how public and private entities are working together in New Jersey to improve disaster recovery efforts, specifically with groups like Sea Bright Rising, a local non-profit organization dedicated to helping residents rebuild in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. Congressman Pallone also toured a Sandy-damaged home currently being repaired by Sea Bright Rising. He was joined by Deb Aldredge of Farmers Insurance, Zack Rosenburg of the St. Bernard Project, Chad Carson of Sea Bright Rising, and Sea Bright Mayor, Dina Long.

“It is great to see the work being done here in Sea Bright as organizations come together to make sure that resources are getting into the hands of those who need it most,” said Pallone. “This collaboration between private institutions and local, non-profit organizations is crucial as we continue to rebuild in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, but also as we look to effectively prepare for future storms. I’m grateful for all that Farmers Insurance, the St. Bernard Project and Sea Bright Rising continue to do to help our community recover from this historic storm.”

In May of this year, Farmers Insurance, in conjunction with the St. Bernard Project, launched the “Disaster Recovery Playbook,” a compilation of best practices that communities can utilize to ensure a faster and more complete recovery following a disaster. Sea Bright Rising has partnered with the St. Bernard Project to implement a residential rebuilding program in the community of Sea Bright, New Jersey in order to serve residents who own homes but lack the financial means necessary to rebuild on their own. In June, Farmers made a commitment to Sea Bright Rising to provide much needed funding and weekly volunteers through the end of 2014.

Pallone Announces $242,820 Grant to Sea Bright Fire Department

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the Sea Bright Fire Department in Sea Bright, NJ, has been awarded $242,820 through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program. The AFG program is part of a coordinated, ongoing effort by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration to improve the nation’s ability to respond to emergency situations.

“It is vital that our brave firefighters have all the resources and tools they need to protect the safety of the public and themselves in the case of an emergency situation,” said Pallone. “I am thrilled that the Department of Homeland Security has selected the Sea Bright Fire Departmentto receive this federal grant. These funds will be instrumental in ensuring our emergency personnel will continue to make our community an even safer place to live.”

Grants awarded under the AFG program are given directly to fire departments and non-affiliated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations for emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training. In Fiscal Year 2013, the AFG program will provide approximately $320 million in competitive grants to first-responder organizations.

Pallone to tour Sandy-Ravaged Sea Bright, NJ to Mark One Year Anniversary of Superstorm

Congressman to Discuss Sandy Rebuilding Efforts and Lessons Learned

WASHINGTON D.C.—On Monday, October 28, 2013 Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Sea Bright Mayor Dina Long will tour Ocean Avenue in Sea Bright, NJ to view buildings and businesses damaged by Superstorm Sandy in observance of the one year anniversary of the storm. Sea Bright was one of areas hardest hit by Sandy when it made landfall last year. Pallone and Long will discuss the toll the Sandy took on the Borough, rebuilding efforts and lessons learned from the storm about preparedness, response and the role of the federal, state and local governments.

Superstorm Sandy was one of the costliest and most destructive natural disasters in American history, with New Jersey’s Sixth Congressional District withstanding some of the most significant damage. Congressman Pallone, who led the charge to bring much needed federal aid to New Jersey in Sandy’s aftermath and has continued to provide countless hours of assistance to residents trying to recover from the storm, will outline issues of concern with the government’s response to the disaster and possible remedies he plans to pursue.

Some of the issues to be discussed include:

· Addressing temporary housing deficiencies

· Problems with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) including delays in the claims process   and the need for clearer information on what insurance policies cover

· The failure of infrastructure such as roads, levees, public transit and utilities

· The holdup and politicization of a critical federal aid package

Pallone and Long will begin their tour of Sea Bright at the Sea Bright Borough Hall and continue north along Ocean Avenue, finishing at the Sea Bright Fire House, where they will hold a press conference.

Pallone Announces Contract Awarded for Asbury Park to Avon-by-the-Sea Beach Replenishment Project

Long Branch, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the contract has been awarded and work will begin in December on an $18.3 million beach replenishment project from Asbury Park to Avon-by-the-Sea. This Army Corps of Engineers project, which is funded at full federal expense, will restore beaches in Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, and Avon-By-The-Sea, to conditions better than prior to Sandy and was made possible by the Sandy aid package passed by Congress. The contractor, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, will use over one million cubic yards of sand for the project and is estimated to be completed in early May of 2014.

“I’m pleased that the Army Corps is moving forward with this important investment that will help to protect homes and businesses from future flooding, as well as repair the destruction caused by Sandy,” said Pallone. “Our beaches are a fundamental part of life here on the shore, both for residents to enjoy and also to drive tourism. I have fought for this and other beach replenishment projects for years because I know how important they are to protect some of our most fragile coastal infrastructure.”

The beach replenishment from Asbury Park to Avon is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ larger effort that covers a majority of the beaches from Sea Bright to Manasquan, which is the largest beach nourishment project ever undertaken by the Army Corps and the world’s biggest beach-fill project, in terms of sand volume. Once completed, the greater protective barrier between the coastal communities and the ocean will reduce the risk of flooding and storm related damages.

The contract awarded today is the last of four contracts to be awarded for the overall Sea Bright to Manasquan beach replenishment project. The contract for Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach was awarded in June and is nearing completion. The Long Branch contract was awarded in August with work set to begin in November. Work will begin for the Belmar to Manasquan portion of the project in late October. The Army Corps of Engineers expects to complete the entire project by mid-2014.

Pallone: Work Begins on Long Needed Beach Replenishment Project in Monmouth Beach

Long Branch, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) was joined by Monmouth Beach Mayor Susan Howard, Sea Bright Councilman Reed Murphy and Colonel Paul Owen, Commander of the Army Corps of Engineers New York District at the Monmouth Beach Bathing Pavilion to praise the progress of the beach replenishment project that has begun in Monmouth Beach and will proceed to Sea Bright. This work represents a portion of the larger Army Corps of Engineers beach replenishment project covering a majority of the beaches from Sea Bright to Manasquan. Pallone fought for robust funding in the Sandy aid package passed by Congress, and over $100 million was allocated from that bill for this long needed project.

“The dredging equipment in Monmouth Beach today represents a great victory for our Jersey Shore beaches, which, for years, have desperately needed attention that was made worse by Sandy,” said Pallone. “Our beaches are a fundamental part of life here on the shore, both for residents to enjoy and also to drive tourism. From Sea Bright to Manasquan, we will reap the benefits of this investment in our beaches for years to come.”

"The Army Corps of Engineers is pleased to be carrying out this emergency beach repair and restoration work which will mitigate the impacts of future storms" said New York District Commander Col. Paul E. Owen. "This work in Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach is the first part of a larger project that will restore beaches from Sea Bright to Manasquan. In addition to providing beach erosion control this work also helps the region heal from the impacts of Hurricane Sandy by restoring an important and central element to these coastal communities."

Pallone and the Army Corps of Engineers announced today further details regarding the timeline for the beach replenishment project which will be completed through four contracts. The contract for the Long Branch portion will be awarded in mid-August, and the contract for the Asbury to Avon portion will be awarded in early September. The contract for Belmar to Manasquan will be awarded this week. The Army Corps estimates that the entire undertaking will be complete by the beginning of next year.

In June, Pallone announced that the Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $25 million contract for the Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach portion to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, LLC. The contractor will be using 2.5 million cubic yards of sand and must complete the project within 175 days after it starts.

The Sea Bright to Manasquan project 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. Once completed, the greater protective barrier between the coastal communities and the ocean will reduce the

WATERSPIRIT Action Alert - Say No LNG

There is an application before the US Maritime Administration for a Liquid Natural Gas facility, “Port Ambrose”, off of Long Branch, NJ and 17 nautical miles south of Jones Beach, NY. Clean Ocean Action asserts that this is the same proposal that was vetoed by Governor Christie in 2011, but with a different name. This port license can be for both import and export, which can potentially lead the proposed port to being the region’s hub for exports for natural gas, leading to more pipelines throughout NJ, accelerated hydraulic fracturing in the region, even more toxic radioactive waste, and increased energy costs. This is a real threat to the pubic health, ecosystems, and clean safe water.

If you are a concerned citizens, a homeowner, a business owner,a member of a civic or community organization, swimmer, diver, fisherman, boater, beachgoer or anyone who will be adversely affected on the Jersey Shore, please come to the public hearing in Sea Bright on Thursday, July 11th and bring your friends, this effects all of us!

Thursday, July 11
Citizen’s Hearing on the Jersey Shore
Sea Bright Public Beach, Sea Bright, NJ
Open House: 4:30-5:30pm
Public Comments: 6pm-8pm

And be sure to sign the Surfrider’s Online Petition to Governor Christie

Pallone Announces Beach Replenishment Beginning in July for Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach

Long Branch, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that the contract has been awarded to Great Lakes Dredging and Dock Company, LLC for the beach fill project in Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach and that work will begin by the end of next month. The contractor will use 2.5 million cubic yards of sand and must complete the project within 175 days after it starts. This portion of the beach is part of a larger beach replenishment project from Sea Bright to Manasquan that will move forward in 3 additional phases.

“Unfortunately, Superstorm Sandy made the conditions of some of our beaches go from bad to worse, but once this project is complete, our beaches will be replenished and wider than they were even before the storm” said Congressman Pallone. “I have fought for these projects for years, and I’m pleased to finally see progress.”

"The Army Corps of Engineers is excited to award this contract for emergency beach replenishment in Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach which will mitigate the impacts of future storms big and small," said New York District Commander Col. Paul E. Owen. "This contract is the first of four that will restore beaches from Sea Bright to Manasquan and we hope that in addition to providing beach erosion control and storm risk reduction that this work also help the region heal by restoring an important and central element to these coastal communities."

$102 million has been allocated to restore beaches from Sea Bright to Manasquan from the Sandy aid package, which Pallone fought to pass in Congress. The Army Corps of Engineers will complete this project through four contracts with this phase representing $25,590,800 worth of work. The remaining three contracts: Belmar to Manasquan, Long Branch, and Asbury to Avon will be awarded in July. The Army Corps of Engineers expects to complete the entire project by the beginning of next year.

Pallone Announces Plans for Sea Bright to Manasquan Beach Replenishment Project in Monmouth Beach

Long Branch, NJ— Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), joined by Monmouth Beach Mayor Susan Howard, announced the Army Corps of Engineers’ plans for the Sea Bright to Manasquan beach replenishment project. Congressman Pallone outlined the scope and timeline of this critical work that will help protect the Shore.

The project will cover a majority of the beaches from Sea Bright to Manasquan, 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. Once completed, the greater protective barrier between the coastal communities and the ocean will reduce the risk of flooding and storm related damages.

“Sadly, Sandy made many of our beaches already in need of work go from bad to worse. Sand was swept away by the storm, flattening our beaches by five to ten feet and narrowing the width, too. Not only will this project will fix the damage caused by Sandy but the Army Corps will replenish the beach to the original design profile, which will make the beach much wider than it was prior to Sandy,” said Pallone. “I have fought for these projects for years, and I’m pleased to finally see progress.”

"The Corps of Engineers is pleased to be moving forward with this beach replenishment project," said Col. Paul Owen, commander, Army Corps of Engineers, New York District. "Coastal storm risk reduction is a high priority and this project will go a long way toward helping to protect residents and infrastructure along the shores of Monmouth County."

$102 million has been allocated for this project from the Sandy aid package, which Pallone fought to pass in Congress.

The Army Corps of Engineers will complete this project through four contracts. The contract for Sea Bright to Monmouth Beach will be awarded in June, and the remaining three contracts: Belmar to Manasquan, Long Branch, and Asbury to Avon will be awarded in July. The Army Corps of Engineers expects to complete the entire project by the beginning of next year.

Pallone Announces $1.3 Million Grant for Sea Bright Flood Mitigation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MARCH 30, 2012

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that the town of Sea Bright in New Jersey’s sixth district was awarded a grant of $1.37 million to fund a bulkhead repair project. It was awarded thanks to a request submitted by Congressman Pallone to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

 Sea Bright is extremely flood-prone because it is narrow and bordered on the west side by the Shrewsbury River and on the east by the Atlantic Ocean. These neighborhoods experience frequent flooding due to high tide events, storm events, or a combination of both.

 “I am pleased that Sea Bright will be receiving a grant to build and repair critical bulkheads,” said Pallone. “Chronic flooding has sadly become a regular occurrence in the lives of the residents and business-owners of these neighborhoods, and the bulkheads will go a long way to minimize flooding and protect the community.” 

The funding will go towards the installation of a new bulkhead at the foot of Beach Way, and to repair five bulkheads at the foot of River Street, South Street, Beach Street,Center Street and Osborne Place. The grant will also fund a submersible storm water pump at Osborne Place. 

Sea Bright was also recently awarded $12.3 million from the Army Corps of Engineers for a beach replenishment project, which will also benefit the neighboring borough of Monmouth Beach.

Pallone Announces $12.3 Million for Beach Replenishment in Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, February 8, 2012


Washington DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced Wednesday that $12.3 million will be awarded to fund beach replenishment in Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach thanks to a request Congressman Pallone submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This funding will allow the Army Corps to begin replenishing the beaches in these towns in Fall 2012.

“This funding is vitally important for the Shore and I commend the Army Corps of Engineers for responding to my funding request for these projects,” said Pallone. “Beach replenishment projects make it possible for millions of people to enjoy the Jersey shore every summer, and come hurricane season, provide a protective barrier to beachfront communities.”

Last month the Army Corps of Engineers completed a contract that replenished a portion of the beach in Monmouth Beach that went forward due to funding secured by Pallone in 2011. The $12.3 million secured by Pallone in 2012 will allow the Army Corps of Engineers to complete the rest of Monmouth Beach and Sea Bright. Significant erosion has occurred in these areas over the last few years which can put homes and businesses in jeopardy when a storm hits the coast.

The money was approved as part of the fiscal year 2012 appropriations legislation passed in late December that funds the government through the end of the year. Pallone worked with the Army Corps of Engineers to request that funding be allocated to this project. The Army Corps of Engineers will begin the beach replenishment project later this year.

In addition to this beach replenishment project, Pallone also secured funding for a number of other projects in the 6th Congressional district. The South River Flood Control Project received $125,000, which will allow the Army Corps of Engineers to continue with the Preconstruction, Engineering and Design phase. The Shark River Inlet maintenance dredging project received $495,000, which will enable the Corps to dredge the river's inlet this year. The Sandy Hook Bay at Leonardo project will receive $127,710 for future maintenance dredging.

Captain Joseph Azzolina Memorial Bridge in Highlands/Sea Bright Awaiting Governor's Signature

Almost forgotten over all the commotion surrounding Thursday night's pension and health care reform debate down in Trenton, was the fact that pension and health care were not the only business being debated and adopted that day.

Also approved by the Assembly Thursday night was legislation sponsored by Senator Sean T. Kean and Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini that designated the bridge which spans the Shrewsbury River, as the “Captain Joseph Azzolina Memorial Bridge”.

All that is left to making the naming of the bridge in honor of Joseph Azzolina is the signature of Governor Christie, which is expected to soon.