Assembly members David Rible and Mary Pat Angelini welcomed the addition of nearly $50 million for beach replenishment projects in the federal Fiscal Year 2010 budget, but cautioned New Jersey’s Congressional delegation to make sure that New Jersey doesn’t get short changed when specific projects are announced.

“New Jersey has historically received a low-rate of return on the dollars taxpayers send to Washington,” Rible, R-Monmouth, said. “That is especially concerning because the amount budgeted would barely cover New Jersey’s projects and there are several other states competing for these dollars. I look forward to working with our state’s congressmen to make sure that New Jersey’s beaches, a vital component of the state’s economy, are well-protected.”

Angelini, also R-Monmouth, said New Jersey’s economy cannot withstand the further damage of an unprotected beach.

“The shore provides job and tourism revenue, but if something were to happen to one of our beaches the consequences could be dire,” Angelini said. “Our congressmen must act now to prevent an unthinkable catastrophe in a state that has already had more than its share of calamities.”

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