By Paul Goldfinger
I came across this quote from the NJ.com dated April 19 It contains an intriguing quote by the Governor of New Jersey.
” Jennifer Beck (NJ State senator for OG district) explained that another federal agency, the Army Corps of Engineers, is proceeding with beach replenishment in Ocean Grove.
“The Army Corps has already backed in planning the beach replenishment project for later this summer,” Beck said. “You have one federal agency, FEMA, splitting hairs and another ready to go.”
That has Thomas Arnone, director of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, hopeful that FEMA will reverse its decision on appeal.
“It is still a boardwalk – the public uses it, it is tied into Asbury Park and Bradley Beach, and the sheriff’s department supports the repair because it provides access to the beach,” Arnone said. “FEMA has to step up to the plate and give the Association what they need.”
If FEMA does not change course, Governor Chris Christie did not rule out state assistance for the boardwalk.
“I’m not going to get into hypotheticals, I am hopeful that the appeal to FEMA will be successful,” Christie said in Long Branch on Thursday. “If not, when it gets put back in front of me, I’ll decide what to do.”