Boost for NJ beach replenishment and restoration projects

New Jersey Congressman Andy Kim said that money from a government funding and disaster relief bill in September and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is coming back to New Jersey and will be used by USACE to protect and replenish shore communities across the state.

“The Jersey Shore is not just a place for tourists to visit and admire our beautiful beaches, it is an economic engine for New Jersey and home to hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents. That’s why I’m doing everything I can to protect these communities,” said Congressman Kim.

“I’m proud to have voted for legislation that is now funding the protection and replenishment of our beaches, which will help our shore towns, businesses, and families across New Jersey.”

Until now, a planned beach replenishment project from the Manasquan Inlet to the Barnegat Inlet was in jeopardy due to a lack of funding.

Below is the breakdown and amount of funding coming to support New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District as a result of the disaster relief bill in September and the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:

Disaster Relief Supplemental:

• $2.474M for the USACE Investigations Work Plan for the New Jersey Back Bay feasibility study that will help make recommendations on how to protect coastal communities from everyday flooding and the impacts of severe weather.
  • Congressman Kim led a letter to the House Appropriations Committee in support of protecting funding for this plan in FY21, which was set to be zeroed out by President Trump’s budget request.
• $3.2M to complete an evaluation of conditions from Sandy Hook to Barnegat Inlet.

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

• $30.2M for construction to protect Manasquan Inlet to Barnegat Inlet from coastal storms and replenish the beaches.
• $25M for Delaware River maintenance of dredged material disposal facilities.
• $14.3M for repairs to the NJ Intracoastal Waterway, including repairs for the Point Pleasant Canal bulkhead.
• $922k for dredging at Barnegat Inlet, and for surveys of the inlet entrance channel to assess any damage.