Ocean County Leader

Critical beach replenishment efforts are set to commence for towns along the Jersey Shore in the Fourth Congressional District. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a contract for this project to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, as announced by Representative Chris Smith (R-Manchester).

"After several contracting delays, this long-awaited project to restore our beaches that have suffered considerable erosion over the past years is finally ready to move forward," stated Smith, who was instrumental in securing $30.2 million in federal funding for the initiative.

The project encountered multiple setbacks and was at risk until Smith intervened in January 2022. He secured approximately half of the $73.5 million total cost from the federal infrastructure bill passed by Congress.

"We have never let up on securing this long-overdue, unjustly delayed project," Smith said. "Our shore communities will benefit greatly from the federal assistance and partnership to address significant safety concerns from beach erosion and help blunt damaging effects of major storms."

Smith noted that while the work schedule remains undetermined, completion is anticipated during the winter months or possibly sooner.

"I am confident that the Army Corps will work closely with the contract awardee to help see that this important operation, now finally awarded, is not derailed again," added Smith.