The Army Corps of Engineers will go out to bid in early January for a project to rebuild beaches and dunes at the severely eroded south end of Ocean City, according to Ocean City Business Administrator Mike Dattilo.
The project is still on track to start in March or early spring, reports oceancity.patch.com.
The federal government will pick up the full estimated $63 million cost of the initial project, which will include Strathmere (Upper Township) and Sea Isle City. The project area would then be part of a three-year maintenance cycle with the Army Corps of Engineers returning to restore the beaches to the initial project dimensions.
According to oceancity.patch.com, the federal government pays for 65 percent of the program, while the state Department of Environmental Protection picks up the other 35 percent. Of the state’s portion, Ocean City is required to contribute 25 percent. That leaves Ocean City responsible for only 8.75 percent of the total cost for subsequent projects.
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Dredging Today Staff, December 30, 2013