SEA ISLE CITY –– North End Association President and former Ice Queen, Irene Jameson thanked city council here for approving a bond ordinance to fund a geotube maintenance program that occurred on city beaches from 1st to 10th streets last year.
According to Army Corps of Engineers information, geotubes are giant sausage-shaped casings with an average size of 200 feet length by 45 feet diameter that are filled with sand or dredged material and placed on beaches to protect areas from storm surge and erosion. The tubes are made from a weave of polyester and polypropylene, which traps solid material but allows water to flow through.
City Engineer Andrew Previti said the project included repairing the fabric of the geotubes and recovering them with dunes. Exposed fabric can become damaged, Previti explained.
Jameson said tubes extend to 13th Street in the city’s north end but the major erosion was north of 10th Street.
Jameson applauded council for approving the emergency measure, but pleaded with members to lobby hard with state and federal officials to obtain more substantial beach replenishment funding.
“Thanks to Congressman LoBiondo (R-2nd), we are now included with Ocean City and Strathmere in an approved WRDA (Water Resources and Development Act) project,” she said speaking of the $136 million Great Egg Harbor beach replenishment project.
LoBiondo voted Nov. 6 to override a presidential WRDA veto citing the importance of the legislation to the people in his district. Congress was successful in overriding the veto and the bill is now law.
“This bill includes several provisions that are critical for South Jersey, especially the residents of Sea Isle City whose property and businesses are threatened daily by beach erosion,” LoBiondo stated in a release.
Now that the WRDA authorizations are law, LoBiondo will now begin the appropriations battle for Sea Isle and other New Jersey projects, said Jason Galantes of the congressman’s office.
Jameson said it would be important for local leaders to keep the heat on state and federal officials so the project actually begins. She cited instances in past years in which work was promised, but not fulfilled.
“We’re hoping substantial beach replenishment work will begin by 2010,” she said.
Previti said the project would include a major beach nourishment initiative along with associated projects including extension of storm water pipes, dune grass plantings, paths and walkovers.
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com
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