In 2012, Superstorm Sandy significantly obstructed the Manasquan River area in Monmouth County, NJ – a stretch of water that connects the 14 state channels with the federally maintained Manasquan Inlet and NJ Intracoastal Waterway. As severe shoaling (the effect in which surface waves change their height as they enter into shallower water) impeded navigation along these waterways, many were impacted by the storm’s devastation including the local marinas, waterside businesses, emergency services, commercial fishing industry and U.S. Coast Guard. While the storm recovery began in 2016, relief efforts were stalled due to insufficient management capacity for dredged material. The removal of an additional 80,000 cubic yards of sediment in eight channels was needed to restore the complex to a state of good repair. From enhancing a three-acre-long public beach to bolstering the commercial fishery industry in the area, this $7.4 million project restored safe and efficient navigation to impacted communities. In addition to expanding use of the waterway for families, the project increased regional public safety by improving access for marine response vessels and the United States Coast Guard.
America's Transportation Awards 