WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) has secured $13,117,000 in federal funding for local beach replenishment and construction projects in New Jersey’s 2nd District, including $6,141,000 for beach renourishment in Ocean City’s north end and $1,890,000 for beach renourishment in Atlantic City, a press release states.
The federal dollars were secured in the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy-Water Appropriations bill, which was approved by Congress and will be sent to the President in the coming days.
“With reports that travelers to our region are down, this news couldn’t come at a better time. Local projects funded under this bill will help countless small businesses – and the thousands of jobs in the region they create – who depend on our beaches and tourism industry for survival,” said LoBiondo.
“This funding represents a continued commitment by the federal government to enhance the economic strengths of South Jersey. I will continue to fight for these critical projects that bolster the local economies of our coastal communities.”
“Our beaches are a vital part of the Atlantic City experience,” said Jeffrey Vasser, president of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority. “Millions of people have enjoyed our clean, free beaches for more than 150 years. They not only add to the natural aesthetics of Atlantic City, but also provide a better landscape for Atlantic City’s beach activities and seasonal beach bars. Our beautiful beaches are what help set us apart from other similar destinations.”
“This is fabulous news for Sea Isle City!” exclaimed Sea Isle City Mayor Lenny Desiderio. “It is very important we get this funding given that tourism is our #1 industry, which provides many, many jobs in our community. We are very excited and congratulate Congressman LoBiondo on his tireless efforts on our behalf.”
South Jersey projects funded within the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy-Water Appropriations bill are as follows:
·$6,141,000 for beach renourishment in Ocean City’s north end;
·$1,890,000 for beach renourishment in Atlantic City;
·$1,853,000 to begin the construction process of the beach renourishment project in Sea Isle City and Strathmere;
·$1,066,000 for the Townsends Inlet to Cape May Inlet project, for the renourishment of sand in Stone Harbor and Avalon;
·$385,000 for the dredging of the New Jersey Intercoastal Waterway;
·$378,000 for environmental restoration at The Lower Cape May Meadows project. Approximately 350 acres containing the Cape May Point State Park and the Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge, the project is designed to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitats in the area, and to reduce hurricane and storm damage to the beaches;
·$238,000 for the Cold Spring Inlet dredging project in Cape May;
·$189,000 to monitor erosion in Cape May City, from Cape May Inlet to Lower Township;
·$117,000 to dredge Absecon Island in Atlantic City;
·$100,000 for the dredging of the Salem River;
·$90,000 to continue the study of a beach replenishment project for the Wildwoods; and,
·$80,000 to monitor erosion in Brigantine.
Furthermore, LoBiondo secured $500,000 for the construction of wind turbines in Sea Isle City and Penns Grove on each municipality’s waste site. The funding was requested by the South Jersey Economic Development District and is included in this annual appropriations bill.
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