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A $38 million beach nourishment project that affects a stretch of shoreline from southern Deal to Loch Arbour is scheduled to start when the cold weather breaks.

Congressman Frank Pallone’s office announced Friday the $38,283,230 project contract was awarded to Seattle-based Manson Construction Company. It will cover the area stretching from Philips Avenue in Deal south to Loch Arbour.

Work to replenish this stretch of the shore will begin in spring 2015. A contract award for the second half of the overall project, which includes beach replenishment from Philips Ave in Deal north to Lake Takanasee in Elberon, will be awarded later this year. Funds for both projects come from a Hurricane Sandy aid package Pallone was instrumental in securing.

“I’m pleased that the Army Corps is moving forward with this important investment that will help to protect homes and businesses along the Jersey Shore from future flooding and repair the destruction caused by Sandy,” Pallone said in a prepared release. “Our beaches are a fundamental part of life here on the shore, both for residents to enjoy and also to drive tourism. I have fought for this and other beach replenishment projects for years because I know how important they are to protect some of our most fragile coastal infrastructure.”

The contract includes placement of 1,400,000 cubic yards of sand, lengthening of six existing stormwater outfalls, and modification of two existing groins.

Army Corps engineers had originally planned to notch six groins, also known as jetties, between Elberon and Loch Arbour. However, after area fishermen, surfers, area residents and other concerned citizens rallied against the project, the Army Corps agreed to only notch three groins within the project area. Two groins, one at Deal Casino and the other at Marine Place, will be notched as a part of the southern Deal to Loch Arbour contract, and a third groin at Phillips Avenue will be notched under the forthcoming contract that will cover Elberon to northern Deal. The Army Corps is also working with the Deal Lake Commission to finalize plans to install an electronic gate in the Deal Lake Flume to allow the outfall to be cleared efficiently if it were to become blocked by sand, an issue which was also discussed at last year’s meeting.

“Awarding this contract, which is the first of two contracts, for the Elberon to Loch Arbour storm risk reduction project will enable the Corps to begin working on completion of the last remaining section for the 21 miles of shoreline between Sea Bright and Manasquan” Col. Paul Owen, commander, Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, said in the release. “This project is another example of great teamwork for our continued efforts to increase resiliency on the Jersey Shore in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. We have had great cooperation between the State, local municipalities, public, and political interests as we have worked together to refine and complete the plans for the project and finally award the first of two construction contracts. Once complete, this project will provide additional beach erosion control and storm risk reduction to coastal communities in New Jersey.”

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