Pallone Details Additional Beach Replenishment Projects in Long Branch, Monmouth Beach, and Sea Bright

Statement

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) held a press conference today to discuss additional beach replenishment projects in Long Branch, Sea Bright, and Monmouth Beach that the Army Corps of Engineers will begin on October 1. These new projects complement the beach replenishment projects Pallone announced last year and were completed this summer. In that announcement, Pallone promised to fight for funding for additional replenishment projects. As a result of Pallone's advocacy, these new projects will restore approximately 1 million cubic yards of sand to beaches that suffer from erosion caused by tidal activity and storms.

"These additional replenishment projects are critical to our beaches and communities along the Jersey Shore," Congressman Pallone said. "Coastal restoration projects like beach replenishment ensure our beautiful beaches will remain safe and enjoyable for residents and tourists for years to come. I would like to thank the Army Corps of Engineers staff for their dedication to these important projects."

Pallone worked with the Army Corps and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop a plan to allow for timely distribution of sand along the three towns. Sand will be placed in Sea Bright from Tradewinds Lane north to Center Street. Sand will be placed in Long Branch from South Broadway to Joline, just south of Seven Presidents Park. In Monmouth Beach, sand will be placed from Cottage Road and will extend slightly into Sea Bright to Garden Way. The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of November if there are no weather or mechanical delays.

"I am very excited for the work that will be done to the New Jersey coastline. The beach is invaluable to New Jersey's culture and economy," Senator Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch) said. "There is such an importance to the quality of life that it provides for us all, and I am thankful we will be able to replenish the beaches for our residents and tourists to enjoy for many years to come."

"It is great to see our Jersey Shore beaches getting the attention and care that they deserve," said Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling (D-Neptune). "As a lifelong member of the Jersey Shore community, I fully understand the importance our beaches bring to our state. We have taken a beating in the past, and to keep our beaches safe for residents and sea creatures alike, this replenishment project couldn't have come at a better time to help prevent erosion caused by tidal activity and storms."

"A huge thank you to Congressman Pallone for keeping our shoreline cared for to help prevent the effects of climate change," Assemblywoman Joann Downey (D-Freehold Township) said. "We have seen our beaches eroding away because of countless storms hitting the coast, and this replenishment project will help restore balance to our beautiful beaches to keep them safe for future generations to enjoy."

"Sea Bright wants to thank Congressman Pallone and his team for helping secure additional beach replenishment funds. Our replenishment projects are valuable and necessary to increase the storm resiliency for our small beach towns and the region," Sea Bright Mayor Brian Kelly said.

"This summer's beach replenishment project created larger and more beautiful beaches in Long Branch at a time when it was able to significantly benefit our local economy. This project extension will continue to enhance both our city and our natural resources," Long Branch Mayor John Pallone said.

Pallone has been a longtime advocate for beach replenishment along the Jersey Shore. Following Superstorm Sandy, Congressman Pallone requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency allocate emergency funding to 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. As a result, the beaches from Sea Bright to Manasquan were filled, which was the largest beach replenishment project ever undertaken by the Army Corps. In 2015, the areas from southern Deal to Loch Arbour were filled.

Pallone has also fought to protect New Jersey from the effects of climate change, flooding, and tidal activity. As Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Pallone has announced a bold plan to combat climate change by achieving net zero greenhouse gas pollution by 2050. This plan is consistent with the global scientific community's consensus that this target is necessary to avoid the most catastrophic effects of the climate crisis. Additional details on the plan are available here. Pallone is the author of the House-passed Living Shorelines Act that will expand federal investment in climate-resilient natural infrastructure like dunes, wetlands, and oyster reefs.