Posted on June 11, 2026
by Joseph P. Smith Cherry Hill Courier-Post
The final contract to carry out federally funded beach replenishments over the summer in five Cape May County communities has been awarded, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District.
The district on June 5 disclosed approval of a $15.8 million contract for Norfolk Dredging Co. for periodic beach maintenance in Avalon and Stone Harbor boroughs. These target beaches run from Townsends Inlet to Cape May Inlet, roughly a 12-mile distance.
It’s not clear when Norfolk Dredging will be on scene in Avalon or Stone Harbor. The company already has equipment staged to carry out a similar project in Sea Isle City and Strathmere.
District spokesman Stephen Rochette said June 8, however, that work in Sea Isle City and Strathmere should start soon.
As usual, the sand is to come from underwater “borrow” sites at the Townsends Inlet and Hereford Inlet. Pumped ashore through pipes, the sand is to be graded into a predetermined dune and berm design.
The project calls for repairs to some dunes and access paths. But work mostly will aim to widen the beach between the toe of the dune and the water line.
In Avalon, approximately 941,032 cubic yards of sand is to be placed from 9th Street to 28th Street.
In Stone Harbor, approximately 538,867 cubic yards of sand is to be placed in two areas: from 98th Street to 114th Street, and from 120th Street to the terminal groin.
It’s possible that some other areas outside the targeted beaches will also receive sand.
The district, contractor, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the boroughs are to announce details on the sequence of work in coming weeks.
Hereford Seawall was constructed in two phases. The first was completed in 2007 and the second in 2010. Repairs were done in 2014 and 2021.
Townsends Inlet Seawall was constructed in 2006.
