Boosting resiliency along Raritan Bay coast

New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone is applauding a major grant that will be led by NY/NJ Baykeeper.

Together with matching funds, the organization will use a total of $1,743,625 for the project, including support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The award will boost resiliency along the Raritan Bay coast adjacent to U.S. Naval Weapons Station Earle with natural infrastructure for 3,200 linear feet of shoreline stabilization, coastal protection, and habitat enhancement.

The project will stabilize the station’s shoreline and protect the surrounding community through oyster castles and marsh restoration to dampen wave energies, mitigate storm surge, and reduce erosion along the coastline.

According to a November 19 press release from Pallone’s office, the project is an example of critical living shorelines work that the congressman has amplified with his Living Shorelines Act that assists states, localities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in constructing living shorelines to combat the effects of climate change.

Living shoreline infrastructure projects use natural materials and systems, including dunes, wetlands, and oyster reefs to support the natural flood resilience of healthy shoreline ecosystems.

Natural infrastructure is cost-effective and adaptable to changing environmental conditions. It also enhances ecosystem functions which can improve water quality and wildlife habitat protection.