Storm Surge Barrier Considered For Manasquan Inlet In Point Beach

A storm surge barrier is one of several alternatives under analysis for Manasquan Inlet, according to a new study by the US Army Corps.

Last month, the US Army Corps of Engineers released its Interim New Jersey Back Bays Coastal Storm Risk Management Study. The study was initiated in response to Hurricane Sandy, which devastated coastal towns and caused nearly $30 billion in damages in New Jersey alone, according to local officials.

Championed by local representatives in Congress, this feasibility study was authorized by the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 and initiated in late 2015, officials said.

The 1,100-plus page interim report provides important insight into the area's vulnerability to storm surge and sea level rise, as well as cost effective solutions on how to combat the threat regionally, according to officials.

The study found that due to continued sea level rise of 4 to 5 milimeters annually, occurrences of coastal flooding have doubled in the past 10 years, and those estimates expected to double again in the coming decade.

To protect against future coastal storm risks, the study investigated 10 alternatives for the north region, which runs from Manasquan south to Great Egg Inlet.

Of the 10 alternatives studied, storm surge barriers (floodgates), floodwalls and home elevations and several combinations of them all were deemed viable for further study.

Of all the alternatives studied, storm surge barriers at Manasquan Inlet and Barnegat Inlet demonstrated the highest cost-benefit and least residual damages, officials said.

This interim feasibility study is extremely important as it is the basis of any large-scale federal infrastructure project and serves as foundation for further analysis, design and federal funding appropriations, officials said.

A final plan and report is expected in 2021-2022, with preliminary engineering and design to commence thereafter subject to federal funding. Construction is not expected to commence until 2030 at the earliest, and is dependent upon federal congressional authorization and federal and non-federal partner appropriations.