Ocean County Leader

Beaches in Ocean County are undergoing a replenishment project starting Monday, with a total cost of $73.5 million. The initiative is partially funded by $30.2 million from the federal infrastructure bill passed by Congress.

Seaside Heights Borough Mayor Tony Vaz assured residents that taxpayers would not bear the financial burden. "It's a very costly venture and one that we need. It's a protection from inclement weather, severe weather, flooding," said Vaz. He added, "It's not a stop-gap, completely, but it will slow the process down, in the event of a serious hurricane."

The project faced uncertainty due to questions over federal funding and contracting delays. According to Rep. Chris Smith, the tentative schedule for sand distribution includes several locations:

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

- Toms River (south) is set for February/March with 426,000 cubic yards.

- Lavallette's work is planned for March with 184,000 cubic yards.

- Bay Head with taper into Point Pleasant Beach is expected in spring with 495,000 cubic yards.

- Mantoloking will also see work in spring with 392,000 cubic yards.

- Brick Township's project is anticipated for early summer with 227,000 cubic yards.

- Toms River (north) is projected for summer with 135,000 cubic yards.

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company has been awarded the contract for ocean dredging and sand distribution. Over six to seven months, approximately 2.1 million cubic yards of sand will be dredged and spread across the shoreline beginning at Seaside Heights.