March 1 Dredging Forum Focuses on Re-Use, Keeping Economy Afloat

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — New Jersey is in crisis mode when it comes to dredging our waterways and it’s impacting our economy, tourism industry and real estate sales, as well as local governments trying to keep their waterways open and accessible. 
The Cape May County Chamber of Commerce will host a Dredging Forum, “Keeping Our Economy Afloat,” focusing on re-use opportunities for dredge materials and proposed legislation to make permitting a simpler, more streamlined process. Senator Jim Whelan will join the discussion to talk about legislation he plans to introduce that will reduce some of the road blocks from dredging our waterway. Dr. Stewart Farrell from Stockton Coastal Research Center will outline new options for disposal of dredge materials including options a recent study completed for the State on the use of dredge holes found throughout New Jersey’s coastal inland waterways, and Dr. Richard Perniciaro from Atlantic Cape Community College will address the economic impact to our communities by activating and maintaining the blue economy throughout the Jersey coast.
A panel of speakers will include Dr. Lenore Tedesco from the Wetlands Institute, Ginger Kopkash, Asst. Commissioner NJDEP and Monica Chasten from the US Army Corp of Engineers to present information on alternative ways to dispose of dredge materials.
This Dredging Forum will be held March 1 at Greate Bay Country Club and  is sponsored by Hatch Mott MacDonald, Remington Vernick Engineers, Cape Bank, Michael Baker International and Hutchinson Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. Registration is $20 for members and $35 for non-members and includes lunch at 12 noon. Register online at www.capemaycountychamber.com/events or call (609) 465-7181.