$26M Dredging Project Planned For Navesink, Shrewsbury Rivers

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — This week, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ6) announced that he secured $26 million for maintenance dredging of the Shrewsbury and Navesink rivers in the appropriations spending bill for fiscal year 2023.

The $26 million earmark for the project has not yet been secured. The House is expected to vote on the legislation in the coming months.

Assuming the funding is secured, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will dredge the Shrewsbury/Navesink river entrances at Sandy Hook as well as the Navesink River to Red Bank and the Shrewsbury River as far as the Branchport Avenue Bridge in Long Branch — a total of approximately 14 miles.

This is the main channel that most boaters use.

“New Jersey’s waterways are critical to our state’s recreation and fishing industries. I’ve heard from so many people in the communities along the rivers and the boaters who use the channels regularly about the importance of this project,” said Pallone. “The dredging will make the rivers safer and easier to use for them and everyone involved in fishing."

“This announcement is great news for Oceanport,” said Oceanport Mayor Jay Coffey. “The dredging project will greatly improve safety for the boaters and recreational fishing industry that use the Shrewsbury River. Our residents have been very concerned and vocal about this issue."

"We look forward to seeing the project begin," he added.

“The economic and recreational impact of the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers cannot be underestimated for Middletown and its the surrounding municipalities,” said Middletown Mayor Tony Perry. “Ensuring that these navigable channels are safe for boaters, fishermen and everyone who utilizes them is of the utmost importance.”

"This dredging project is long overdue, and we would like to thank Congressman Pallone for his efforts advocating for it," added Monmouth Beach Mayor Dave Stickle.