Coastal Engineering
DIVISION: Office of Engineering and Construction
GENERAL PHONE NUMBER: (732) 255-0767
FAX NUMBER: (732) 255-0774
WEB SITE
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
New Jersey's Shore Protection Program was created to provide for the protection of life and property along the coast, preserve the vital coastal resources, and maintain safe and navigable waterways throughout the state. Operating under the Office of Engineering and Construction, the Bureau of Coastal Engineering is responsible for administering beach nourishment, shore protection and coastal dredging projects throughout the state. Additionally, the bureau maintains the state's aids to navigation, provides 24-hour operation of the Raritan Bayshore Floodgate and is responsible for conducting storm surveys, damage assessments and emergency repairs for coastal storms.
MONETARY ASSISTANCE PROVIDED:
Shore protection projects are funded through the Shore Protection Fund (N.J.S.A. 13:19-16 et seq.), either through a federal-state-local cost share or a state-local cost share, depending on the size and scope of the project. $25 million in annual stable funds have been appropriated through the Shore Protection Fund of 1992. Additional funds have been provided by Shore Protection Bonds issued in 1977 and 1983 and by state appropriation in 1988.
Eligible projects must be associated with the protection, stabilization, restoration or maintenance of the shore, including monitoring studies and land acquisition and must be consistent with the current Shore Protection Master Plan and Coastal Zone Management Program. Such projects must be tidally influenced during normal tide cycles and be located on public land or property which has legal, perpetual easements for public access and use.
The amount of monetary assistance provided varies upon need. Grantee must provide 25% of the construction cost, provide engineering design and specifications, and provide perpetual easements and parking to ensure public access. Applications will be considered year-round; however, to be considered for an upcoming fiscal year that begins July 1st, applications must be received by May 1st.
The bureau also conducts maintenance dredging projects throughout the state, with the exception of federal channels including the Intracoastal Waterway, which is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Funding is provided by a partnership with the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of Maritime Resources and or special appropriations. Although funding is provided by the DOT, dredging projects are administered by the bureau and are initiated on an as-needed basis subject to available funding.
PERMITTING RESPONSIBILITIES:
All dredging and shore protection projects must be consistent with the state’s Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act and Coastal Zone Management Program which includes; Coastal Area Facilities Review Act (CAFRA), Waterfront Development Act and Wetlands Act of 1970. In addition, all projects must be in compliance the federal Clean Water Act Section 404 and the Rivers and Harbors Act. The bureau will review and comment on the project plans that are submitted by the municipality for both engineering integrity and compliance with the current regulations. The bureau will also apply for all required state and federal permits for state dredging and shore protection projects. All permits for shore protection projects which the bureau does not administer the construction will be the responsibility of the municipality.
PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE:
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