Avalon OKs beach project
The borough will spend $2.8 million for an emergency beach fill.
By BRIAN IANIERIStaff Writer, (609) 463-6713
Published: Thursday, February 9, 2006
Updated: Thursday, February 9, 2006

The borough approved a $2.8 million contract with a dredging company Wednesday night, settling an issue that threatened beaches, tourism and property, Avalon officials said.

Avalon negotiated a contract for an emergency beach fill with Weeks Marine Inc. to pump 350,000 cubic yards of sand from Townsends Inlet to beaches between Ninth and 18th streets.

“The last thing we can afford to do is not do anything on that beach,” Councilman David Ellenberg said.

The borough, which voted to borrow money for the beach fill last year, is paying for the project by itself, unsure of federal funding that is fickle and often threatened with cuts.

Storms and encroaching ocean have decimated beaches in Avalon's northern end.

Most access paths are closed because the ocean chewed steep cliffs into the dunes late last year.

Just reaching north-end beaches is difficult now.

“There are public safety issues, as well as economic issues we are addressing to get the beach back in shape by the summer season,” Administra-tor Andrew Bednarek said.

Avalon has sought to restock the beaches but had trouble finding a dredging company to do the work—and for about $3 million.

After two unsuccessful attempts, the borough entered negotiations.

The borough also considered backup plans, which would have included trucking in sand from outside of Avalon, if dredging were not available.

However, those options would deliver less sand and cost more per cubic yard.

Weeks Marine spokesman Chris Champigny said dredging will likely begin in a few weeks.

The company is currently working on a federal beach replenishment project in Brigantine.