MAJOR PERTH AMBOY WATERFRONT PROJECT FUNDED BY CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION TO HAVE FORMAL GRAND OPENING THIS WEEKEND
REPAIRS MADE TO A 1.5-MILE STRETCH OF SHORELINE BATTERED BY SUPERSTORM SANDY AND OTHER STORMS
(14/P102) TRENTON – The completion of a major waterfront repair and re-development project on a storm-battered coastline in Perth Amboy, which was jointly funded by the State Department of Environmental Protection and the city, will mark its grand opening at a ceremony today and a special municipal celebration on Saturday.
The DEP approved $1.7 million in Shore Protection funds for the $3.55 million bulkhead and beach replenishment project that has been completed along the weather-battered waterfront in Perth Amboy.
Storms in recent years, including Superstorm Sandy, damaged and eroded parts of the 1.5-mile stretch of the shoreline at the confluence of the Raritan Bay and Arthur Kill, an area that includes a mix of residential, recreational and commercial uses that provide a strong boost to the city’s economy.
“The Christie Administration was pleased to partner with Perth Amboy on this important project that will enhance the city’s waterfront and make it more resilient to future storms, while boosting its economy and improving the quality of life for residents in this vibrant community,” said Commissioner Martin. “We congratulate the city on completion of the project and the grand opening of the Perth Amboy Marina.”
“This effort to repair and preserve the city’s waterfront has been long awaited,” said Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz. “This area was fenced off for more than two years. Thanks to the Department of Environmental Protection’s grant, we have been able to restore our storm-damaged waterfront areas. I also like to thank our residents for their patience and cooperation during the difficulty and damage caused by Superstorm Sandy.’’
There is a ribbon cutting set for today at the Perth Amboy Marina on Front Street and a grand opening municipal party set for Saturday starting at 11 a.m. For more information on the celebration, visit: http://ci.perthamboy.nj.us/marina-grand-opening.html
The state’s contribution to the waterfront project was drawn from the DEP’s Shore Protection Program.
The project included repair of the pier and harbor walk, and repair and replacement of bulkheads adjacent to the waterfront, among other work, with a goal to improve, enhance, protect and preserve the waterfront while providing easier access to the pier and harbor walk.
The city targeted various structures in the municipal waterfront park and replenished a half-mile of beach along Sadowski Parkway, from High Street to Second Street. Along Front Street, work included a new perimeter wall. South of the Perth Amboy Municipal Marina, a new bulkhead was constructed adjacent to Seabras Armory, as well as a new ramp access to the South Pier. On Water Street, additional bulkhead installation, railing replacement and sidewalk repair was done.
The Shore Protection Program, overseen by the DEP’s Office of Engineering and Construction, is designed to protect public and private property and infrastructure from coastal storm damage, erosion and shoreline migration and sea-level rise. Projects include beach replenishment and construction of bulkheads, jetties and seawalls.
Municipalities or counties awarded Shore Protection Fund grants are required to provide at least a 25 percent match of costs, and must agree to provide permanent easements to facilitate public access to the waterfront.
For more information on DEP’s Shore Protection Fund, please visit: http://www.nj.gov/dep/shoreprotection/funding.htm
For a list of completed Shore Protection projects, visit: http://www.nj.gov/dep/shoreprotection/completed.htm
For more on the city of Perth Amboy, visit: http://ci.perthamboy.nj.us/
MEDIA: For photos please contact the DEP Press Office.
|