Federal Dollars Help Waterways After Sandy [AUDIO]

NEW JERSEY 101.5

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced federal funding for the cleanup of lakes and waterways affected by Superstorm Sandy in Monmouth and Middlesex Counties.

Pallone said that several lakes, creeks and brooks throughout the Sixth Congressional District will receive federal dollars to cover 90 percent of the cost of cleanup and restoration work through the National Resources Conservation Service's Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program, which is a part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The EWP program is designed to respond to watershed impairments caused by natural disasters, including removal of debris from lakes and streams, repair of undermined stream banks and damaged water control infrastructure.

Pallone made his announcement at Lake Takanassee where he was joined by Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider. More than $197,000 will be allocated to clean up Lake Takanassee.

The work at Lake Takanassee slated to be covered by the EWP program funds will include the removal of debris, such as pieces of buildings, bulkheads, sediment and brush that were deposited into the lake as a result of Superstorm Sandy.

"I'm pleased to announce that the city of Long Branch will be receiving $197,435 for removal of debris and sediment deposited into the lake during Superstorm Sandy," said Pallone. "During Sandy, all kinds of debris, from pieces of nearby buildings and bulkheads, to additional sediment and brush had built up in the lake. It is critical for New Jersey's lakes and streams to be cleaned up and preserved after the damage wrought by Sandy."

The following are additional projects throughout the Sixth Congressional District receiving EWP program dollars for cleanup efforts:

Woodbridge, Middlesex County       
Removal of downed trees and debris from South Branch Rahway River in the vicinity of Gills Lane and Barbara Court.
Funding:  $35,100
 
Perth Amboy, Middlesex County       
Stabilization of eroded hillside and the removal of storm downed trees and debris from the vicinity of Water Street.
Funding:  $150,150

Marlboro, Monmouth County     
Stream bank stabilization and the removal of storm downed trees and debris from Big Brook.  Removal of storm downed trees and debris from Colts Brook and  Milford Brook.
Funding:  $72,150

Asbury Park/Neptune, Monmouth County
Removal of sediment from Wesley Lake.
Funding: $486,000

Monmouth County     
Clearing of downed trees and removal of sediment and debris from various locations around the county:

• Union Beach: Ditch clearing from Diddling Street to Orange Ave.
• West Keansburg: Ditch clearing from 8th Street to Thorns Creek; 1st Street ditch north of Central Ave to Waackaack Creek.
• Keansburg:  Waackaack Creek below Highway 36
• Port Monmouth:  Compton Creek near Bridge MT9
• Leonardo:  Poricy Brook near Bridge MT29
• Atlantic Highlands:  Wagner Creek from West Highland Ave to Sandy Hook Bay

Funding: $50,000

The EWP program is currently reviewing additional applications and further funds under this program may be released in the coming months.