News12 article on Army Corps project Smith helped fund:'Beach replenishment begins along Ocean County shoreline'

'The project, which will span from six to seven months, kicks off in Seaside Heights this month and will conclude in Toms River during the summer.'

By Joti Rekhi published Feb 10, 2025, 12:36 PM

Beaches across Ocean County are being replenished beginning Monday. The total project costs $73.5 million. It includes $30.2 million in funding from the federal infrastructure bill passed by Congress.

According to Seaside Heights Borough Mayor Tony Vaz, taxpayers won't feel the pinch.

Vaz said 75% of the project is being funded by the federal government, 25% is coming from the state, and the county commission will front the remaining 25%.

"It's a very costly venture and one that we need. It's a protection from inclement weather, severe weather, flooding," said Vaz. "It's not a stop-gap, completely, but it will slow the process down, in the event of a serious hurricane."

The project was potentially on the line after federal funding was in question. There were also some contracting delays.

Here is a tentative schedule according to Rep. Chris Smith:

• Seaside Heights with taper into Seaside Park: Work is estimated to take place in February and includes 241,000 cubic yards of sand.
• Toms River (south): Work is estimated to take place in February/March and includes 426,000 cubic yards of sand.
• Lavallette: Work is estimated to take place in March and includes 184,000 cubic yards of sand.
• Bay Head with taper into Point Pleasant Beach: Work is estimated to take place in spring and includes 495,000 cubic yards of sand.
• Mantoloking: Work is estimated to take place in spring and includes 392,000 cubic yards of sand.
• Brick Township: Work is estimated to take place in early summer and includes 227,000 cubic yards of sand.
• Toms River (north): Work is estimated to take place in summer and includes 135,000 cubic yards of sand.

However, the contract for the ocean dredging and sand distribution was ultimately given to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company.

A total of 2.1 million cubic yards of sand will be dredged and distributed throughout the shoreline over the course of about six to seven months. It begins at Seaside Heights.

This article was published on Feb. 10, 2025
Beach replenishment begins along Ocean County shoreline
https://newjersey.news12.com/beach-replenishment-begins-along-ocean-county-shoreline