U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), who has worked for years securing federal support through multiple initiatives aimed at mitigating the flood and pollution problems associated with Wreck Pond, today joined N.J. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bob Martin and other state, county and local officials to mark completion of a key component in the restoration of the pond, a state-of-the-art flood-control culvert.
“Beginning in 2003, when Wreck Pond became part of the fourth congressional district, I have worked with many local, state and federal officials to help bring us to this day,” said Smith, who brought Rep. Jim Obestar (D-MN), then Chairman of the Congressional Committee that oversees flood projects, to Spring Lake. “A site visit in 2005 helped focus and galvanize support from the federal government which then allocated support at every level. Today is a culmination and celebration of an effective partnership—a coordinated effort of federal, state, county, local and community agencies, and I am pleased to have been a part of this state-of-the-art solution.”
The culvert is made up of a series of 5 by 8 foot interconnected concrete boxes, an inlet that can open or close to manage flooding during severe weather events.
In 2015, $3.58 million provided by the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 (PL 113-2), legislation Congress enacted after Superstorm Sandy ravaged New Jersey’s coastline, was added to a $2 million grant awarded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the project in 2013. DEP earmarked another $608,000 for the project, and the Borough of Spring Lake contributed another $915,000.
Phase 1 of the project—the dredging of Wreck Pond—was completed in January of this year.
Smith, who represents some of the coastal areas hardest hit by Superstorm Sandy in Monmouth and Ocean counties, including Spring Lake, worked in 2005 to have the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approve a resolution authorizing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a study of Wreck Pond. Since then, Smith worked tirelessly to secure funding, including the initial federal funding for Wreck Pond in the 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations bill.
In June 2013, Smith announced funding for a federally-led study to identify the best way to combat the significant hazards associated with drainage problems at the pond. He said this new $3.5 million in added federal funding will be directed to alleviate the flood risk around Wreck Pond—which has long besieged residents and beach-goers in southern Monmouth County. It will also be used to enhance water quality to make the pond pure and pristine once again.
“Having worked for many years to alleviate the flooding and environmental issues at Wreck Pond, we all know today represents a major turning point in our efforts to strengthen flood control,” said Smith, who has worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NJDEP, Monmouth County and Spring Lake officials to provide ongoing assistance to mitigate the flood damage done by storms.
Wreck Pond, located primarily in Spring Lake, and sections of Sea Girt, Spring Lake Heights and Wall Township N.J., is a 48-acre body of water in a residential area that has filled in with silt and pollutants and causes beach closures and home damage when it overflows.
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