North Wildwood Beach

North Wildwood receives $3.8M for beach fill
e-published 3/3/2006 - Wildwood Leader

NORTH WILDWOOD -- Mayor Bill Henfey announced Friday the confirmation of a $3.8 million state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) grant for a beach fill project from Second to 26th avenues.

The money will come from the DEP’s Shore Protection Stable Funding Program and will cover 75 percent of the total project costs.

With the city responsible for engineering design and permit drawings, the DEP’s Bureau of Coastal Engineering will provide assistance with the Army Corps of Engineers, permit applications and on-site inspection.

City Council President Patrick Rosenello is optimistic about the project.

“The process has been long, but with all of the agencies working together, we are beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

The finished project calls for 6,900 feet of shoreline replenishment that will include the creation of a storm protection berm.

Henfey is happy with this most recent grant, which caps off a three-year shoreline protection endeavor by the city.

“We’re a city that is known for our beautiful beaches and this project will benefit our community for years to come,” he said. “This latest grant brings the total participation from the state to more than $7 million, which is a major commitment to our city and the people who live and earn their living here.”

A permit processing meeting is scheduled this week in Trenton and Henfey plans to be there.

“Patrick Rosenello, city administrator Ray Townsend, city engineer Ralph Petrella and I will all be there to make sure we expedite the process and get going on this project,” he said.