Dredging of Manasquan Inlet starts

The USACE has begun dredging the Manasquan Inlet yesterday to address the dangerous build-up of sand along the jetty on the Point Pleasant Beach side of channel, said Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester).

“We are very grateful to Lt. Col. Beeman and his team from the Philadelphia Army Corps for their quick response to our concerns over the dangerous shoaling in the Manasquan Inlet that poses serious navigational hazards to boaters during this especially busy time of the year on the Jersey Shore,” said Smith.

“Mayor Vitale was also quick to help ensure that this important safety issue was raised and addressed as soon as possible.”

The Army Corps’ action comes after Smith initiated conversations with Army Corps officials and local boat captains over the weekend as the shoaling began to develop.

In a follow-up letter to Army Corps Commander Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Beeman on Monday, Smith urged the Corps to take immediate action to mitigate the growing navigational hazard.

As a result, the Corps performed a survey of the inlet floor earlier this week and immediately began removing the build-up of sand.