Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that he secured $2.5 million to enhance coastal resiliency in the communities around Naval Weapons Station Earle. The base will partner with Monmouth University and NY/NJ Baykeeper to develop coastal resiliency projects that will stabilize the shoreline in communities in the area and develop resiliency alternatives for other Naval installations exposed to climate change. Pallone secured the funding request in the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense spending bill for Fiscal Year 2023. The House is expected to vote on the underlying legislation in the coming months.
“We know that the climate crisis is here and that New Jersey is on the frontlines. This funding will help enhance coastal resiliency for communities in Monmouth County that are vulnerable to rising sea levels and stronger storms,” said Pallone. “Since Superstorm Sandy, we have invested hundreds of millions of dollars to make New Jersey more resilient against the effects of climate change, and coastal resiliency projects have a proven track record of success. I’m looking forward to seeing this project move through the legislative process so we can continue to build on the progress we’ve made to protect our coastal communities.”
“NY/NJ Baykeeper is pleased that funding for our coastal restoration projects is included in the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense bill,” said Meredith Comi, Coastal Restoration Program Director at NY/NJ Baykeeper. “The $2,500,000 will allow Baykeeper and partners Monmouth University and Naval Weapons Station Earle to design and implement coastal resilience restoration projects along the Raritan Bayshore, including Leonardo, Aberdeen and Highlands. Sylvan Lake between Bradley Beach and Avon is also included in the restoration project. These projects will improve resilience to climate change and extreme weather events within each municipality. We thank Congressman Pallone for making coastal resilience restoration projects a priority in New Jersey.”
The projects will utilize living shoreline infrastructure, including natural materials and systems, including dunes, wetlands, and oyster reefs to support the natural flood resilience of healthy shoreline ecosystems. Natural infrastructure is cost-effective and adaptable to changing environmental conditions. It also enhances ecosystem functions which can improve water quality and wildlife habitat protection.
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