WINTER E-MAIL NEWSLETTER
from the
JERSEY SHORE PARTNERSHIP
Snow has been center stage since the start of 2014 but we are looking to change the conversation to what’s ahead for the next few weeks and months after the snow has melted.
Shore Mayors head to Washington, DC
Mayors Dina Long, Sea Bright; John Oldham, Harvey Cedars; and Joe Mancini, Long Beach Township will represent the Jersey Shore Mayors as panelists at the American Shore and Beach Association’s (ASBPA) annual Coastal Summit in Washington, DC on February 26. While there, they will have an opportunity to meet with mayors from other coastal states, attend a meeting with top Corps of Engineers officials and visit with New Jersey Congressmen. I attend the conference each year to represent all of you and share news of our beach communities.
That evening there will be a reception where I will have the privilege of presenting the Friend of the Coast Award to Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. along with Tom Herrington, ASBPA and Jersey Shore Partnership board member. The Congressman in his long career in public service on the local, state and national levels, has demonstrated his outstanding support for the protection of our coastal waters and the beaches.
Displaced Sandy Victims Voice Concerns at Public Hearings
Three public hearings have been schedule to discuss of the disbursement of Hurricane Sandy Recovery funds. The first hearing was held in South Jersey. The final hearing is scheduled for February 21, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft in the Robert Collins Arena. You can preregister to speak at the Brookdale hearing; comments will be limited to three minutes.
Partnership Foundation Awarded Grant for Dune Education
TD Bank has awarded a grant to the Partnership, in collaboration with the Sea Grant Consortium, to support a year-long, statewide educational program for students and teachers in grades 5-12 to increase awareness and understanding of beach and dune dynamics in relation to coastal storms. The classroom and “hands-on” activities will help to bring about a deeper understanding and appreciation for our fragile coastline.
Partnership Board Elects New President at Annual Meeting
Robert Mainberger, PE, Senior Vice President, Hatch Mott MacDonald environmental engineering firm, was elected President at the Partnership’s annual meeting in January, He has been a Partnership board member since 2007 and served as vice president prior to his election as President. Mainberger’s professional experience, expertise and management of complex coastal issues will provide the Partnership with strong leadership in the months ahead.
Federal Funding for Coastal Projects Gains Support in Congress
The federal budget contains the most funding for coastal programs in almost two decades. The Omnibus bill contained more that $150 million for coastal protection. Additionally the Water Resources Development Act, now awaiting conference approval, would provide $8 billion dollars for water infrastructure projects. If we were to find a good outcome from Sandy, it is that the disaster served as a reminder that federal (and other) funds are needed BEFORE the storm to ensure that the coast is strong enough to withstand the storm surge. While this is news to celebrate, there is no guarantee that the Congressional climate will be as forthcoming in future years. As a state we must continue to ensure that funding is in place to maintain and protect our beaches and attract federal dollars for Corps projects along our coast.
Summer Celebration is on its Way!
Mark your calendars for JUNE 9, 2014. It’s back to Ft. Hancock, Sandy Hook for the Partnership’s 18th Summer Celebration. Festivities start at 5:30 p.m. Contact me or Patti Baxter for information on sponsorships, tickets and event details.
The Partnership needs your support to continue our advocacy work to protect and preserve our beaches. Check out our website and follow us on Facebook for more information about the work of the Jersey Shore Partnership – on the scene and behind the scene working for the preservation of our coastline, a unique New Jersey Treasure. There is much to be grateful for but there is much work to do in restoring the Jersey Shore to its pre-Sandy vitality. Your membership keeps the momentum going. Thank you.