Port Monmouth To Get $91 Million Flood Control Project, Says Pallone

Funds for Hurricane Sandy relief will be used to implement a $91 million project to that could significantly protect Port Monmouth from frequent flooding, erosion and damage from rain and storms. 

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (NJ-06) announced Monday that the Army Corps of Engineers is planning to address major flood prevention to protect the low-lying residential and commercial areas in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown Township.

That project includes the construction of nearly 7,070 feet of levees, 3,585 feet of floodwalls and 2,640 feet of dune and beach renourishment. The funds were recently approved by Congress. 

“Many in Port Monmouth faced serious flooding during Sandy,” said Pallone in a press release.  “All along the Bayshore, flooding has become an increasingly common phenomenon as severe storms have become more frequent and residential and commercial development has increased.  That’s why I’m pleased to announce that, due to funds included in the Sandy aid package and based on my conversations with the Army Corps of Engineers, the Corps has the funds necessary to complete the entire Port Monmouth flood control project.”

The Army Corps of Engineers represented an unprecedented investment in flood protection and beach replenishment in New Jersey’s Sixth Congressional District, much of which took on some of the worst damage dealt by Superstorm Sandy. 

The first phase of the project, slated to being in late 2013 or early 2014, includes dune restoration, beach replenishment, the construction of a terminal groin and extension of the fishing pier, involving roughly 400,000 cubic yards of sand. 

The larger flood control aspect of the project, which includes levees, floodwalls, a pumping station and a tide gate, will begin construction in early 2015.

"I, along with many Middletown officials have fought hard for this for years," said Township Committeeman Tony Fiore, who served as Middletown's mayor in 2011 and 2012 during Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy. Fiore said he went to Washington D.C. several times to talk to officials about the issue. He said he is pleased the long-enduring residents of Port Monmouth will not be forgotten again.