BY NJ.COM WRITER ROB SPAHR - The troublesome coastal lake near some of the Jersey Shore's priciest homes is slated to get millions in assistance from the federal government.

U.S. Chris Smith (R-4th District) announced Tuesday that nearly $3.6 million in federal funding through the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 would be directed to help alleviate the flood risk around Wreck Pond and help to enhance water quality of the pond.

"Superstorm Sandy highlighted the significant health and safety hazards associated with the toxins in Wreck Pond, which did more damage to local residences than did the water coming in from the ocean," Smith said in a release.

The 48-acre coastal lake – located primarily in Spring Lake but is also in sections of Sea Girt, Spring Lake Heights and Wall Township – has filled in with silt and pollutants and causes beach closures and home damage when it overflows

The new funding will build on a previous $2 million grant awarded by the Fish and Wildlife Service to Spring Lake in 2013 for the construction a secondary outfall pipe and a living shoreline designed to protect residents and businesses from flooding issues.

"We've been working toward the full restoration and proper management of Wreck Pond for many years, and this federal funding is a huge step in that direction," said Smith, who announced funding for a federally-led study in 2013 to investigate ways to combat the drainage problems at the pond. "The work on Wreck Pond to date has paved the way for this grant and has been a good example of federal, state, county and local officials working to resolve a difficult challenge."

This article was originally published at:  http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2015/07/wreck_pond_slated_to_get_millions_in_additional_fe.html