Brick Council Takes Steps To Pave Way For Beach Replenishment Easements

The Township Council has introduced an ordinance that would pave the way for beach replenishment easements and construction of a four-mile steel sheet revetment along the duneline near State Highway 35.

In a letter from DEP Commissioner Bob Martin to Brick Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis earlier this month, it was noted that the federal government has "conceptually approved" the project, which will construct about four miles of steel sheet piling, which will be driven into the beaches along Brick and Mantoloking.

The letter notes that the project still requires federal environment reviews, permits, specifications and estimates, as well as securing of easements.

"We won't see this, until the next storm comes, and one will come," Acropolis said during the meeting last night. "It will [hopefully] stop the breach from happening." The goal, according to the letter, "is to protect critical highway infrastructure," in the event of another extreme storm event like Sandy.

Acropolis said if the necessary easements and permits are secured, "we're hoping this project will start this year."

Federal funds for the project "could be about $32 million, or 80 percent of the total cost for both towns, depending on the final design. The state would pay the remaining 20 percent, or a total of about $8, for both towns, spending on the final design," according to the letter to Acropolis.