For The Locals

Ocean County To Assist Nine Oceanfront Towns With Beach Replenishment Costs

Author Lauren Hoffman

September 23rd, 2022 10:30 AM

Mantoloking, New Jersey

Ocean County will cover one-half of the local costs for an upcoming beach replenishment project along the northern barrier island for nine oceanfront towns.

John P. Kelly, Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, announced earlier this month that Ocean County will contribute about $4 million for the effort to restore ocean beaches from Berkeley Township north to Point Pleasant Beach.

The replenishment is slated to begin early next year and is just a portion of the estimated $60 million cost of the project.

According to a press release, the Army Corps of Engineers will pay $30 million, with the remaining $30 million bore by the state and local municipalities.

The beaches had suffered severe erosion following several coastal storms that battered the coastline in recent years, including a major storm late last winter.

“The beaches and dunes are vital to the protection of our towns and our residents,” Commissioner Deputy Director Virginia E. “Ginny” Haines said. “The Board of Commissioners felt it was right to step in and help our communities bare this cost.”

This project is the first major beach replenishment scheduled by the Army Corps of Engineers along the northern barrier island since it completed repairing and strengthening beaches in the years following Super Storm Sandy.

The following towns will receive financial aid from the county:
• Bay Head: $714,000.00
• Berkeley Township: $159,000.00
• Brick Township: $450,000.00
• Lavallette: $336,500.00
• Mantoloking: $645,000.00
• Point Pleasant Beach: $135,500.00
• Toms River Township: $975,000.00
• Seaside Heights: $375,000.00
• Seaside Park: $191,000.00