Monmouth County has been awarded a grant by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Office of Economic Adjustment to prepare a Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) for Naval Weapons Station Earle, which is located in portions of Colts Neck, Howell, Middletown, Tinton Falls and Wall Township.
A JLUS is a cooperative land use planning effort between affected local government entities and a military installation, according to a press release from the county.
This project looks to create compatible development measures to keep the base operational, while also looking out for the surrounding public’s health, safety and welfare. When land use constraints impair the effectiveness of a military base, the utility of the installation and its mission can be compromised. Mission constraints can lead to base closure, according to the press release.
The DOD is supplying $206,000 in a federal grant to be matched with $32,500 from the county in staff time and materials. The majority of the federal money will go toward professional planning services for research, outreach and to prepare the JLUS.
“This particular JLUS is somewhat unique in that it will include climate adaptation planning as a major component of the study to benefit both NWS Earle and the surrounding communities with recommendations to improve their sustainability from sea level rise and resiliency from coastal storms,” Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian Burry said. “We must pay close attention to preserving the economic impact NWS Earle has on our community and this grant is the perfect way to get these needed conversations underway.”
Public meetings will be held as milestones are reached during the study period to seek public input and to brief interested parties about the purpose of the JLUS, the planning process and study recommendations, according to the press release.
NWS Earle was commissioned in 1943 with a mission to provide ordnance for all Atlantic Fleet Carrier and Expeditionary Strike Groups, and support strategic DOD ordnance requirements. The facility encompasses 11,851 acres in three major landward elements: Mainside; Waterfront Area; and the Normandy Road Ammunition Transportation Corridor. The fourth element of NWS Earle is the 2.2-mile long pier complex in Sandy Hook bay.
The goals of the study include encouraging local governments to work closely with NWS Earle to seek development options that are compatible with continued utility of the base, and that preserve and protect the public health, safety and welfare of those living near this active military installation, according to the press release.
“We look forward to working with the DOD and coordinating our efforts with mayors from Colts Neck, Howell, Middletown, Tinton Falls, and Wall Township, land use and water use experts, academia and the public at large,” Monmouth County Freeholder Serena DiMaso said. “We want to do everything we can to position NWS Earle for the future and keep it operating effectively in Monmouth County.”