By Christopher Sheldon
Long Branch is receiving $197,000 to help remove debris from the coastal portion of Lake Takanassee.
Congressman Frank Pallone (D-6) said 90 percent of the cost to clean Lake Takanassee and other lakes, creeks abd brooks throughout the state will be paid for through the National Resources Conservation Service's Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program.
"We're happy to get the money," Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider said during a Monday morning press conference. "Towns dont have money for lake maintenance in their budgets. Without the help of the federal government, a project like this would not be completed."
Schneider said the lake suffered a "serious hit" because of Hurricane Sandy and that more work needs to be done.
The spillway that allows the lake water to flow to the ocean was damaged by the storm and the hurricane also caused a breach in the retaining wall.
The developer of the former Takanassee Beach Club could possibly cover the cost of repairing the breach while the city will look for funding to cover the cost of repairing the spillway.
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