The U.S. Corps of Engineers says the cleanup will cost nearly $18 million - three times the initial estimate.
Congress has approved spending $11.7 million on the project and says the state is responsible for paying the remaining $6 million.
But state Environmental Protection spokeswoman Elaine Makatura says the state will not pay because it's not responsible.
More than 1,100 old munitions have been found on the /*Long Beach Island*/ community since last year. They were pumped from the ocean floor to the beaches in a beach replenishment project.
Information from: The Press of Atlantic City, http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com
