In the Press...
TAPInto Middletown article on Smith-led survey of Nor'easter damage'Rep. Smith Leads Survey of Nor’easter Damage Along Monmouth and Ocean County Shore'By Jeanne Wall MONMOUTH AND OCEAN COUNTIES, NJ — In the aftermath of last week’s powerful Nor’easter, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith led a group of federal, state and local officials on a tour of several shore communities to assess damage caused by flooding, erosion and severe weather. The tour included stops in Manasquan, Point Pleasant Beach, Bay Head and Ocean Gate, where officials examined the condition of beaches and coastal infrastructure and discussed both immediate needs and longer-term strategies to better protect the communities from future storms. Smith was joined by Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 2 Administrator Chris Hartnett; New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Commissioner Joe Seebode; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District Commander Lt. Col. Ryan A. Baum; USACE New York District Project Manager Jason Shea; New Jersey State Police Operations Officer Major James Boland; Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden; Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardy; NJ Legislative District 10 Assemblyman Paul Kanitra; Ocean County Commissioner Jennifer Bacchione; Manasquan Mayor Mike Mangan; Bay Head Mayor Bill Curtis; Ocean Gate Mayor Robert Curtin; and other elected and municipal officials.
The group surveyed areas affected by the storm while discussing the challenges facing the individual communities and the steps that could be taken to strengthen coastal protection. “Today, an impressive, comprehensive group of experts—with extensive backgrounds in environmental, structural engineering, and beach replenishment initiatives—came together to not only survey the severe damage wrought by last week’s Nor’easter, but also to collaborate on creative solutions for immediate needs and future resilience efforts,” Smith said. Local officials came prepared to show the federal and state representatives the specific impacts their communities experienced and to discuss potential improvements. “Municipal officials and local leaders came fully prepared, offering tangible examples of the damages they sustained and providing ideas for new initiatives that could bolster their towns’ resilience against future storms,” Smith said. The tour also provided an opportunity to look at how investments and protective measures implemented following previous storms have affected the latest storm's impact. Officials noted that although the Nor’easter caused damage in the communities visited, existing protections helped mitigate some of the effects in certain areas. That experience is providing another opportunity for officials to evaluate what has worked, where additional improvements may be needed and how communities can prepare for increasingly severe coastal weather. Smith said the participation of federal, state and local representatives demonstrated the importance of cooperation when addressing storm damage and coastal resilience. “I am truly encouraged by the intergovernmental partnership and determination demonstrated today,” Smith said. “Building upon what we’ve learned from previous storms and tapping into the continued knowledge and expertise shared today, I look forward to working alongside our great state and local officials to strengthen our shore communities’ resilience and preparation for future severe weather events.” The survey comes as shore communities continue to assess the effects of the Nor’easter and consider both short-term recovery needs and future projects aimed at protecting homes, businesses, beaches and critical infrastructure. |
