Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) announced that the House-passed FY26 Energy & Water Appropriations Act (HR 4553) includes $50 million in federal funding for a new shallow draft dredging vessel. Smith said he specifically sought this funding to address shoaling issues at Manasquan Inlet and other nearby locations.
“A vote ‘NO’ on today’s bill would have been a vote against a desperately needed new dredge for the Manasquan and Shark River Inlets and the economy of the Jersey Shore,” Smith stated.
He explained that the Manasquan Inlet is considered a dynamic inlet with strong tides, shifting sands, sand bars, and wave action that can make it dangerous or impassable for commercial and recreational boaters. “The threat to life and the grave economic impact the shoaling has on NJ’s fishing industry demand a long-term, sustainable solution,” Smith said.
Smith added, “We have been fighting for years for a new dredge, and this bill will make that a reality.”
He also noted that beach replenishment funds are included in this bill, as well as existing funds appropriated last December which remain available for critical beach replenishment projects. “When the FY26 Energy & Water Appropriations Act is enacted into law, there will be more than $375 million in funds available for shore protection and coastal management projects, such as beach nourishment,” Smith said.
Smith pointed out that in 2022 he worked with the Army Corps of Engineers to secure $30.2 million in federal funding for beach nourishment projects in New Jersey’s 4th congressional district. Many of those projects were completed earlier this year. He pledged to continue working with local officials to ensure future upgrades receive federal support.
Historically, only two government-owned shallow-draft dredges—the Murden and Currituck—have served the East Coast from Texas to Maine. The Currituck has been out of service for several years, leaving only one operational vessel to maintain thousands of miles of shoreline.
Chris Smith has represented New Jersey’s 4th District in Congress since 1981 after succeeding Frank Thompson. Born in Rahway, New Jersey in 1953, Smith lives in Manchester Township and graduated from The College of New Jersey with a BS degree.
For more information about Rep. Chris Smith’s work: http://chrissmith.house.gov
