Ship Bottom Council Weighs Flood Prevention Projects
The Ship Bottom Borough Council is actively exploring options for its annual shared service agreement with Ocean County, focusing on critical flood prevention measures. A key proposal includes the replacement of the bulkhead on 25th Street, a site identified as particularly vulnerable to flooding. Borough Administrator Kathleen Flanagan highlighted the urgency of this project during a special council meeting held on February 5, emphasizing the need for estimates and planning to secure funding.
Bulkhead Replacement and Flood Gate Installation
During the recent council meeting, Borough Administrator Kathleen Flanagan outlined the importance of replacing the bulkhead on 25th Street, which has been flagged as a priority in the borough’s flood resilience strategy. Flanagan noted that Borough Engineer Frank Little is currently gathering estimates for the project, including one from Ocean County. She anticipates that the borough’s budget for Schedule C projects will be around $50,000, which could help offset some of the costs associated with the bulkhead replacement.
Mayor William Huelsenbeck supported the initiative, stressing the need to consider the height of the new bulkhead. He pointed out that rising water levels necessitate a taller structure to effectively combat flooding, particularly given the area’s susceptibility to west winds that can elevate water levels to street height. Additionally, Flanagan mentioned the potential installation of a flood gate, which would enable the borough’s public works department to block rising tides from reaching the street, further enhancing flood protection.
The 25th Street bulkhead is part of a broader assessment conducted two years ago, which identified the public bulkhead between 25th and 26th streets as a significant contributor to moderate flooding events. Flanagan acknowledged that if the bulkhead project does not qualify for Schedule C funding, there are alternative bulkhead projects that could be considered. The borough has previously completed two bulkhead replacement projects aimed at reducing flooding, ensuring compliance with the 5-foot height requirement established in 2018.
Ongoing Flood Mitigation Efforts
In addition to the proposed bulkhead project, the borough has made strides in flood mitigation through various initiatives. Recently, the county replaced a washed-out berm at the intersection of Central Avenue and West 28th Street, an area known for its flood vulnerability. This project required state Department of Environmental Protection approval and is part of ongoing efforts to enhance flood resilience in the borough.
Moreover, the Ocean County Road Department has raised the crown of Long Beach Boulevard from 24th to 33rd Street to alleviate flooding on this critical roadway. This adjustment, which raised the road by 6 to 8 inches in certain areas, aims to ensure at least one lane remains passable during tidal or storm events.
As the borough continues to prioritize flood prevention, officials are also considering the use of Schedule C funds for improvements at Remembrance Park on Fourth Street. Flanagan emphasized the importance of making the park accessible, particularly for individuals with mobility challenges, and highlighted the need for a safe parking area as construction progresses.
With these initiatives, the Ship Bottom Borough Council is taking significant steps to address flooding concerns and enhance the resilience of its infrastructure against future storm events.
