Borough approves $4.2M beach replenishment project ahead of summer 2026
Army Corps of Engineers to begin sand placement in early May
Allenhurst Borough Hall, where the Mayor and Council voted to approve the 2026 beach replenishment project. — Photo by Mr. Matté, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Borough Council on Tuesday approved a $4.2 million beach replenishment project that will widen the Allenhurst oceanfront by an estimated 75 feet before the summer season begins. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin mobilizing dredging equipment on May 3, with sand placement expected to continue for approximately three weeks.
How it's paid for
- $2.9M — U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (federal share)
- $880,000 — New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
- $420,000 — Borough of Allenhurst (from the shore-protection capital reserve)
What to expect
During active dredging, portions of the beach will be closed in rolling 500-foot segments. The Borough expects the full beach to be open no later than Friday, May 22, ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Beach badge sales will begin on schedule on May 23.
Council members described the project as a long-term investment in shore protection, arguing that a wider beach helps safeguard homes, businesses, and the borough's tax base against storm damage.
Residents with questions about the project can reach the Borough Clerk's office at (732) 531-2757 or info@allenhurstpress.com.
Eleanor Brinton covers Allenhurst history, borough government, and life along Corlies Avenue. A longtime Jersey Shore resident, she writes a weekly column for The Allenhurst Press.