A major repair project of the north jetty at Barnegat Inlet, which protects the southern tip of state-owned Island Beach State Park in Ocean County, is currently underway, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bob Martin said.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Philadelphia District awarded a $7.6 million contract for the project to Agate Construction Company of Clermont in Cape May County. Throughout the spring, a barge, cranes and other equipment were mobilized and work began on the project last month.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and DEP anticipate the repair project, which will see the stabilization of approximately 740 feet of the jetty on the north side of the inlet that was battered by Superstorm Sandy, to be completed this winter. The project is funded by through the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013, also referred to as the Sandy Relief Bill.
“ This is a much-needed project that will deal with severe damage caused by Superstorm Sandy, and which will result in a more resilient shoreline when the work is done ,” said Commissioner Martin . “ The Army Corps is committed to moving as quickly as possible to get the job done and have the inlet fully reopened to our residents and visitors.”
“ For the duration of the project, we ask for patience from park users, as this jetty area will be closed for the safety of our visitors, ” said Island Beach State Park manager Ray Bukowski. “ But all other mobile sport access points for Island Beach State Park remain open to permit holders.”
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Press Release, June 8, 2014