Ocean County Leader

A significant beach replenishment project along the Jersey Shore is set to commence on Monday, as announced by Congressman Chris Smith. The project, which has faced delays, will cover the area from Manasquan Inlet to Barnegat Inlet and aims to enhance Ocean County beaches.

The plan involves dredging sand from three offshore locations and pumping 2.1 million cubic yards of sand onto various beaches in Ocean County. This sand will be shaped into an engineered template designed to mitigate damage from coastal storms. Additionally, eroded areas will see widened beaches, repaired dunes, access paths, crossovers, and sand fencing. Dune grass planting is also part of the restoration efforts.

The project is expected to take six to seven months for completion, subject to weather and sea conditions. Specific tasks include:

- Seaside Heights with taper into Seaside Park: Scheduled for February with 241,000 cubic yards of sand.

- Toms River (South): Planned for February/March with 426,000 cubic yards.

- Lavallette: Expected in March with 184,000 cubic yards.

- Bay Head with taper into Point Pleasant Beach: Slated for spring with 495,000 cubic yards.

- Mantoloking: Set for spring with 392,000 cubic yards.

- Brick Township: Anticipated in early summer with 227,000 cubic yards.

- Toms River (North): Projected for summer with 135,000 cubic yards.

The initiative faced a near standstill until Congressman Smith intervened in January 2022 to secure $30.2 million from the federal infrastructure bill passed by Congress. This funding represents a substantial portion of the total $73.5 million cost.

Smith collaborated with local mayors and officials to address contracting delays that followed initial funding challenges. In October 2024, the Army Corps awarded Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company the contract for ocean dredging and sand distribution.