Manasquan beach replenishment reassures residents still coping with Sandy

The latest beach replenishment project at the Jersey Shore is getting under way in Manasquan as part of a $25 million federally funded project that will continue up the coast to Belmar.

Sand pumped in from offshore will make the beach wider and higher.

Watching as workmen were elevating her house right across the street from the beach, Linda Campagna said the beach replenishment project is giving her some comfort in the wake of the extensive flood damage to her home.

“I’m hoping that it totally helps with any kind of flooding,” she said. “They’ve done it before, and it didn’t prevent it, but I think it’s a help. It’s a step in the right direction.”

Like many other Manasquan residents, Campagna said she is looking forward to the Army Corp of Engineers building protective dunes along the coast.

Susan Rollison, who said Sandy wiped out the first floor of her home on First Avenue, is counting on the beach replenishment to provide some protection from future storms.

“They built the sand dunes up last year right before the storm. I don’t know how much it’s going to be, but we’ll give it a shot,” Rollison said. “I think Mother Nature has her own agenda, and we just have to stand by. At least we’re prepared.”

Manasquan lost $79 million in tax ratables because of the storm damage, said Mayor George Dempsey. He’s hoping the dunes can be in place by early next year.