A bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-4) that allocates $50 million for a new shallow draft dredging vessel has passed the House of Representatives. The funding is part of the Energy & Water Appropriations Act (HR 4553). Smith introduced the measure to address ongoing shoaling issues at Manasquan Inlet and other locations.
“We have been fighting for years for a new dredge, and this bill will make that a reality,” Smith said.
Smith has focused on safety concerns at Manasquan Inlet, where sand buildup at the south jetty has increased in recent years despite maintenance efforts. At times, sand accumulation has allowed people to set up beach chairs within the inlet channel itself. This situation poses risks both to visitors and to commercial fishing vessels operating out of Point Pleasant, which share the busy channel with recreational boats during summer months.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ vessels Currituck and Murden have been used periodically to clear the inlet, but officials have called for more capacity to avoid delays during emergencies caused by limited equipment availability.
“Categorized as a dynamic inlet with strong tides, regularly shifting sands that create very dangerous shoaling, sand bars, and wave action, the Manasquan Inlet can become treacherous — and at times impassible — for both commercial and recreational boaters,” Smith said. “The threat to life and the grave economic impact the shoaling has on NJ’s fishing industry demand a long-term, sustainable solution.”
Historically, only two government-owned shallow-draft dredges—Currituck and Murden—have served the East Coast from Texas to Maine. With Currituck out of service in recent years, only Murden remains available along thousands of miles of shoreline. Smith warned that this lack of equipment could be harmful to ports throughout the eastern seaboard.
The legislation also renews funding for beach replenishment projects after previous concerns about potential budget cuts. “It should also be clear,” added Smith, “that beach replenishment funds are appropriated in this bill, and existing funds appropriated just this past December — which have not been fully expended — are available for critical beach replenishment projects.”
Chris Smith is currently serving in Congress representing New Jersey’s 4th district since 1981 https://shorebeat.com/brick/2025/09/bill-to-purchase-dredge-boat-with-manasquan-inlet-in-mind-passes-u-s-house/. He was born in Rahway in 1953 and lives in Manchester Township. He graduated from The College of New Jersey with a BS degree in 1975.
