Twp. hires lobbyists to help with flood projects MIDDLETOWN - The Township Committee adopted a resolution Sunday approving a contract with a Washington, D.C.-based lobbying firm to help secure federal funding for stalled flood control projects in Port Monmouth and Leonardo. The design phase of the Port Monmouth control project is complete. In 2002, the township was told by the Army Corps of Engineers that construction was expected to begin in 2004. "Residents living in flood-prone areas have waited years for the construction of the Army Corps of Engineers' flood control project in Port Monmouth as well as beach replenishment in Port Monmouth and Leonardo," Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger said. "We've reached the point where we feel we need a stronger voice in Washington to help us secure the needed federal funding for these projects." The beach replenishment project will include a dune along the Bayshore, a levee and flood-wall system, pump stations and drainage outlets, according to Township Administrator Robert Czech. "We have worked with local representatives, but we have only been minimally successful," Czech said. "Marlowe & Company will help us navigate through the lengthy, cumbersome appropriations process in Washington. Hopefully, we will be successful in securing additional funding in the coming budget cycle." The contract with the Marlowe & Co. consulting firm is not to exceed $54,000. Marlowe & Company has been in existence for over 20 years and has experience in the areas of water resources, economic development, surface transportation, environmental preservation and aviation. According to the company's Web site, it considers beach nourishment projects one of its specialties. - Dan Newman