Congressman Pallone Announces Alberta Lake Funding

NEPTUNE - At yesterday's press conference on the Taylor Ave shore of Neptune's Alberta Lake, Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ CD 6), joined by representatives from Neptune Township committee and Neptune Township housing authority, announced 1.25 million dollars requested by the Congressman in the 2025 Fiscal Year Federal Budget.

This Community Project Funding will be used for remediation of several issues concerning the lake and the surrounding area - most critical of all, the flooding.  Neptune resident Tom LaBanca shared that in his five years of living next to Alberta Lake, his crawlspace flooded several times, and he needed to make a further investment in waterproofing and pumping his basement.  "My grandchildren and I, we love to walk around the lake," he said, "but in 2019, the first year we were here, major flood.  The water came almost all the way up to my front door.  We got two to four inches of water in my crawlspace.  There's no other catch basins, so all the water from Lakeside and Taylor comes into our street....I'm hoping, you know, that this works, what you guys are planning, because I love this neighborhood."

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"The senior residents, who reside around the lake, will be able to do so without worry or concern," said Bart Cook, Executive Director of the Neptune Township Housing Authority,  "We're excited when government money is used to fix local problems."  Mayor Tassie York echoed this sentiment, "Our residents have been impacted in the past by flooding from Alberta Lake, those whose greatest investment is at stake."

Environmental advocacy group Shark River Cleanup Coalition has identified Alberta Lake as a significant source of pollution.  The lake, which flows out to the Shark River and Sylvan Lake, is particularly prone to sediment accumulation and shoreline erosion.  A man-made lake, Alberta overflows its banks frequently, leading to road closures and resident evacuation.

The project will include dredging, cleanup of the lake and surrounding area, and re-planting of native flora to ensure that the Alberta Lake ecosystem stays healthy for years to come.  "By investing in Alberta Lake's restoration, we're not just protecting our environment; we're safeguarding our community with a stronger, more resilient foundation for all Neptune residents" said Congressman Pallone.

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