$3.2M Approved For Point Pleasant Canal Bulkhead Repairs

POINT PLEASANT, NJ — Federal officials have designated $3.2 million in funding for needed repairs to the bulkhead along the Point Pleasant Canal, U.S. Rep Chris Smith (R-NJ) has announced.

The repairs are needed because there are portions of the steel bulkhead that have suffered significant damage over the years. The 2-mile manmade channel that runs between the Manasquan River and Barnegat Bay was first opened to navigation in 1926.

“This is great news for Point Pleasant and all mariners who rely on this critical piece of our coastal infrastructure,” Smith said in a news release about the funding. “The steel bulkhead along the canal is showing its age, and this work will help shore up the properties on each side of the waterway to ensure safe passage by water between Monmouth and Ocean counties.”

The funding is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act­, the bipartisan infrastructure bill that was passed in November and was signed into law recently.

Passed with bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate, the infrastructure law provides funding to repair and rebuild dangerous roads, bridges, rail lines, tunnels and lead-contaminated water pipes in addition to other eligible critical projects.

Also included in the infrastructure bill was $30.2 million for beach replenishment in what will be the 4th District under the updated Congressional redistricting map.

Point Pleasant Mayor Bob Sabosik thanked Smith for securing the funding, emphasizing that the repairs are much needed.

“Once again Congressman Smith has made sure that our area is not overlooked,” Sabosik said. "Throughout the years, he has stayed in constant contact with local mayors including myself and does not only listen, but helps us get the resources we need to make our communities at the Jersey Shore better.”

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