Beach replenishment project begins in Sea Isle City despite peak season timing

SEA ISLE CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- Construction equipment has arrived on the beach at JFK Boulevard in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, and sand pumping is expected to begin by the end of the week as a long-awaited beach replenishment project gets underway.

While officials acknowledge the timing in early June could pose challenges for beachgoers, they say delays in federal funding left few alternatives and that they are grateful the project is moving forward.

Along with the peaceful sounds of the ocean came the rumbling and beeping of construction equipment, signaling the start of the work.

"We didn't have the noise and the chaos until about 11, 11:30," said Kelly O'Brien-Baker of Clermont, describing the first day of activity.

The project has drawn interest and support from some visitors and residents.

"I was an engineer, so I'm interested in watching how this is occurring and how they're pumping it and leveling out the sand," said Ed Malantonio of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

Still, not everyone is pleased with the timing.

"Do we need to do it in the middle of summer? No, but it has to get done," said Nancy Stanton of Marmora.

Sea Isle City is one of five Jersey Shore communities awarded federal funding this spring for beach projects by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

RELATED: Federal funding announced for Jersey Shore beach replenishment after harsh winter

After earlier spending cuts left many towns uncertain about whether funding would come through, $99 million was approved in April following storm damage assessments in the region.

The funding will support projects in Ocean City, Strathmere, Sea Isle City, Avalon and Stone Harbor.

"Very excited about this project. We were not expecting it for this year, but we'll gladly take it," said Sea Isle City Mayor Len Desiderio.

Local officials are asking residents and visitors for patience as the work progresses. Crews are expected to close three to four blocks of beach at a time, moving gradually along the shoreline.

"It's a little inconvenient for some. It's only about 1,000 feet, and then they move. So we ask for everyone's cooperation. It'll be out of here before you know it," the mayor said.

Once work wraps up in Sea Isle City - which officials hope will happen within weeks - crews are expected to move to nearby Strathmere, where storms have left steep sand cliffs and limited access to some beach paths.

Residents there say the erosion has become concerning.

For Kim Lynch of Strathmere, the project is about more than widening the beach.

"The ocean comes right up to the end. And our house is right at the corner there. So I'm always afraid the ocean is going to meet the bay," she said.

The Army Corps of Engineers said the project timeline was expedited once funding was secured.

Desiderio hopes crews in Sea Isle City will complete the work by the Fourth of July.