MIDDLETOWN — U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6th Dist.) is asking the National Park Service to make restoring Sandy Hook a priority and provide enough funding and support to get the beach operational in time for next summer's tourist season.
"Recent press reports have indicated that Sandy Hook may remain closed this coming summer," Pallone wrote in a letter to National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis. "The National Park Service must do everything within its power to ensure that this is not the case. The negative consequences that such a closure would have for the local community, businesses and economic recovery would be considerable.
"Now more than ever, New Jersey needs the economic benefits that Sandy Hook provides."
Sandy Hook is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and falls under federal jurisdiction. Pallone, whose district includes much of Monmouth County, said the barrier spit draws about 2 million visitors a year, making it a major economic driver for the district.
RELATED COVERAGE
• Sandy Hook may remain closed next summer after hurricane blows left heavy damage
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