Belford Dredging Of Shoal Harbor Channel Will Begin This Summer

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — This summer, a new dredging project will take place of the Shoal Harbor navigation channel off Belford.

The funding for the dredging is being provided by the federal government, and North Middletown Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ 6) secured $8 million for the project in the Consolidated Appropriations Act federal spending bill passed earlier this year.

While some argue that too much spending by the U.S. federal government has led to inflation, some Middletown boat operators welcomed the dredging.

That channel off Belford is about 12 feet deep.

“We need the waters to be open and navigable to do our job. This project will help our boats get where they need to be,” said Captain Richard Isaksen, president of the Belford Seafood Cooperative.

"The pandemic hit New Jersey’s fishing industry hard, so the dredging project will help keep us operational," added Isaksen. "I want to thank Congressman Pallone for all he has done for our state and the fishing industry. He’s always around to listen to our concerns and then follow up with action.”

Approximately 160,000 cubic yards will be dredged in the channel. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates that 8,700 boat trips are made in the Belford channel annually.

“Any time that we can improve the quality of life for our residents while also driving economic development is a win in my book,” said Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone, a Republican. “Monmouth County has always shown complete support for dredging projects, such as this, that enhance recreation and provide resources for the fishing industry."

"Our waterways are critical to our state’s commercial fishing and recreation industries, and this dredging will help ensure the waterway is safe and accessible for the Belford Fishing Co-Op and the commuter ferry,” said Pallone, a Democrat.