According to an update from the state Department of Environmental Protection sent to local officials last Friday, the beach replenishment project in northern Ocean County, which was scheduled to begin in 2022, may be delayed for an extended period and is currently labeled as “suspended.”
The entire project was expected to cost $60 million. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was set to contribute $30 million, the County $7,550,000, and the remaining $30 million was to come from the state.
This is expected to save Lakewood millions, as each year, Lakewood taxpayers contribute $60 million towards the Ocean County operating budget, which is $40 million more than what most neighboring towns pay, which is usually around $20 million.
On January 26th, Ocean County decided to fully fund the local share of the beach replenishment project instead of just 50%, which was likely to substantially increase the amount of money Lakewood taxpayers were paying into the County.
Lakewood taxpayers receive from the County way more than the amount we pay them.
Virtually all new traffic signals being installed, as well as most road improvement projects in Lakewood are County projects.
The WIC office upstairs from CHEMED, and the Meals on Wheels program (which offers kosher food) is operated by the County as well.
Many seniors also make use of Ocean Ride – another program operated by the County.