Shark River Dredging Project Will Go Out To Bid Late Summer
Bids expected in late summer. Award anticipated in Fall of 2015
The long delayed dredging of the Shark River Channels is finally moving forward, according to a statement released today by State Senator Jennifer Beck, Freeholder Tom Arnone and Neptune Township Committeeman Randy Bishop.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Office of Maritime Resources has provided a working timeline for dredging the channels. Requests for proposals (RFP) will be released by DOT in August or September, according to Arnone, and a contract for the project is expected to be awarded in late October.
“While the effort to dredge the State channels of the Shark River has gone on for over 20 years, I am pleased to see tangible movement, and the announcement of a timeline on when we can expect to see progress on this vital project for my district, and the region. Sediment sampling is already completed, with the data in review. NJDOT’s Office of Maritime Resources are drafting the permit plans and preparing bid documents to go out by late Summer.” said Beck.
The location of acceptable property to dry the dredged material before moving it to its final dump site has been the major stumbling block to the project moving forward. Arnone and Bishop told MMM that the approved locations will be disclosed in the RFP.
“With cooperation from our local communities, who see the importance of this project, we have made this project closer to a reality than it ever has been before. NJDOT has already conducted site visits at the proposed areas offered by local municipalities where the material can be dewatered. The project may take up to two years since there are certain parameters National Marine Fisheries has in place around when you are able to do this type of work, but will be well worth it.” said Freeholder Arnone.
The estimate of two years to complete the project is subject to a successful bidding process and the project running smoothly.
“The NJDOT and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) have taken substantive, affirmative steps to getting Shark River’s State channel dredged and I believe we have all worked together to bring this project further than it is has ever been in recent history. This is a large project, with approximately 106,000 cubic yards of material to be dredged and requires communication and cooperation from the local municipalities, of which I am happy to provide,” said Bishop.
More from my site
BECK, ANGELINI, CASAGRANDE, ARNONE & BISHOP SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON SHARK RIVER DREDGING- Shark River Dredging Contract Awarded
The Arnone Report: Bi-partisan team work yields success with Shark River project- The Arnone Report: Progress on Shark River Dredging and Two River Bike Path
Christie: Shark River Dredging Delayed By County and Municipalities
The Arnone Report: Shark River Dredging Project Enters Phase II
Arnone: Shark River dredging to restart imminently
With transportation funding negotiations deadlocked, County has plan to restart Shark River dredging- The Arnone Report: Update on Shark River Fish Kill
- The Arnone Report: Hold Up On ADP, All Systems Go On Shark River
Ok, so when this fails to go through yet again, what will this posturing do?
This is a good start but only 10% of what is needed. ALL the towns must be involved. These others sites once and if approved are temporally one shot uses. 2 years is too long but it is a start.The Shark River is the second #2 most polluted beach in the whole state. Even Kayaks are getting stuck in the mud at low tide. Boats can not navigate anywhere near the low tides.There is plenty more money out there if we have a united front. $40 Million to do beach replenishment that no one wants off Deal. Lets not settle . we need to look at the bigger picture. There is an preapproved site in Wall that should also be considered. Why are they exempt? They contribute much of the mud that is ruining the river. Shouldn’t our Health come first? Time for an additional more economical plan. The longer the stall the more expensive it gets. Is anybody listening? jfd
Come on, the kayak thing? Really…? How about people have some common sense and not go into a waterway at low-tide!
I’ve lived in Neptune all of my life and Shark River Hills for 38 years now. This has always been an issue; however, I am not concerned with boaters who don’t even live in the township. Maybe if those “trespassing” signs were taken off the docks I would be more amenable, after all WE pay for those docks and signs.
The river does need to be saved that is more than true, but if Wall decides they don’t want it it is their choice.
I think I’ve read this before… like a dozen times! Kudos to Jennifer, Tom and Randy for getting to this point but folks, we cannot let off the pedal. Here’s hoping that the unannounced drying site’s lawyers convince their client its not worth the fight.
http://www.app.com/story/sports/outdoors/fishing/hook-line-and-sinker/2015/04/17/fishing-beach-replenishment-controversial-new-jersey-deal/25900631/ What happen to the federal money for SHARK RIVER (FEMA)
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/14/07/27/the-list-ten-worst-new-jersey-beaches-for-water-pollution/ Second most polluted beach in the state.
Still no answers to the above questions I see. Are we taking down “trespassing signs” along the docs? Are Shark River Hills residents going to have complete access, you know, since OUR TAXES pay for those docks and the waterway upkeep.
How about this, has that plan to build a boardwalk along the river been stopped or are we now supposed to be more of a tourist destination around our homes?
@ Michael Serra So Why are you asking us? We have no jurisdiction but we sure pay enough in taxes to have a river that is not polluted everytime it rains. Why don’t you ask the Assembly people and others that have become invisible when it comes to helping with the health of the river. I guess if you were to pay the extra tens of thousand of dollars for Riparian rights and take on the liability you could use the docks. But that is not our fight.
Reply · Like · Follow Post · 15 hours ago
Wow wait a minute there. I’m not completely on board with what Michael is saying, but you know there are people those Assembly members & Senator are working with to fix their homes from Sandy as well as in other towns like Long Branch & Asbury…so before you take a shot you might want to step back and think about that for a second. I’m sorry, but if it comes between my house or a river being dredged, my home would be my priority.
If the river was dredged prior to Sandy would have it helped? Yes, but it would have been minute. I’ve done my fair share of emergency management.
But Michael does bring up a point now that he mentioned it. Why are my municipal taxes paying for docks, but there isn’t free access for residents? I have to look into that myself.
Thanks everyone- Tom L.