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Washington, D.C. --- The U.S. House of Representatives today approved a Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Conference Report that includes funds for the continuation of critical shore protection projects in Monmouth County, said U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ).
"Congress continues to show a strong commitment to funding beach replenishment and flood control projects in Central New Jersey," Pallone said after today's vote. "The funds approved today will allow the Army Corps to move ahead with critical shore protection projects both along the Monmouth coast and the Bayshore, which were battered by last month's nor'easter. Flood control projects along the Shrewsbury and South Rivers will also move closer to construction thanks to funds approved today."
Pallone said he was pleased that the final conference report included $3 million to place sand on beaches that have already been replenished between Sandy Hook and Barnegat Inlet. While the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will decide next summer which of the beaches in that area need the sand the most, the Corps New York chief engineer told Pallone last week that beaches in Long Branch, Monmouth Beach and Spring Lake will need additional sand.
The New Jersey congressman also secured $1.5 million for the Army Corps to move forward with beach replenishment in Port Monmouth, the first phase of a flood control project there, and $188,000 to complete the design of the Keansburg beach replenishment project so construction can begin there in FY 2007.
The House also approved funding today for several Bayshore projects that are currently in the feasibility phase. Pallone said the House approved $100,000 to Highlands, $100,000 to Keyport and $100,000 to Leonardo to continue feasibility studies. Pallone also secured $60,000 so Union Beach can continue design of its beach replenishment project.
The Energy and Water Development conference report also includes funding for flood control projects, including two in Central Jersey. The New Jersey congressman secured $60,000 to continue the feasibility study for the Shrewsbury River and $140,000 to continue the design of the South River flood control project in Middlesex County.
Pallone officially requested the funding for all of these projects in a letter to members of the House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee earlier this year. The 2006 fiscal year actually began on October 1. The conference report reconciled separate Energy and Water Development funding bills that were approved earlier this year in the House and Senate. The final conference report must now be approved by the Senate before going to President Bush for his signature. |
