Washington, D.C. --- The U.S. House of Representatives approved a funding bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 today that includes funds for the continuation of critical shore protection projects in Monmouth County, said U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ).

Pallone officially requested the funding for shore projects above the Bush Administration's requests in a letter to House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman David Hobson (R-OH) in March. The spending bill now goes to the Senate. Fiscal Year 2005 officially begins on October 1, 2004.

Pallone said he was pleased that the bill includes funding to place sand on beaches that have previously been replenished but may have lost sand in the last few years. The Bush administration provided no funding for this type of renourishment, but today the House provided $500,000.

"I'm pleased the House provided $500,000 that was otherwise not included in the Bush administration's budget request in the area from Sandy Hook to Barnegat Inlet. However, I believe it's important to have additional resources available in case of winter storm damage or unexpected erosion," Pallone said. "I'll try to get more money later this year as the bill works its way through Congress."

Projects along the Bayshore in Monmouth County also received additional funding beyond President Bush's request. Pallone's requests to increase funding for all projects currently in the engineering and design phase were met. Union Beach, not funded by the administration, will receive $100,000 to complete the engineering and design. Leonardo, slated to receive $198,000 in the administration's budget request, will now receive $250,000. Pallone's request for $250,000 for Highlands was met, which is $100,000 above the administration's request. Finally, Keyport will receive an additional $50,000 above the Administration's request of $150,000.

Pallone noted his concern that President Bush's policy not to fund new shore protection and flood control projects continues to make it difficult to get funding for Jersey shore projects.

"The Bush administration has significantly cut funding to the shore protection and flood control budget resulting in very little money to go around," Pallone said. "I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to try to get more money for projects along the Jersey Shore."