Weeks Marine will pump more than 120,000 cubic yards of sand onto the Strathmere Natural Area and almost 330,000 cubic yards of sand onto Strathmere’s beaches.
The latest Strathmere beach replenishment project began last week as the Weeks Marine dredge finally reached South Jersey. Upper Township has approved a $4.2 million bond to pay for the cost of the dredging. The township will be reimbursed 75 percent of the cost by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) since erosion occurred during storms declared federal disasters.
In 2009, Strathmere received almost 900,000 cubic yards of sand on its beaches and the state park at the northern tip of the island. That was Strathmere’s largest beach fill project.
The township is expected to receive the FEMA money sometime early next year.
Township engineer Paul Dietrich said the beach replenishment project will last three weeks. Work will move south to Sea Isle City after the New Year.
[mappress]
Dredging Today Staff, December 21, 2011;