Point Boro Receives $1 Million Grant to Beautify Canal Bulkheads

Point Pleasant Borough has been given a grant of $3.2 million for much needed bulkhead work on the canal. The work will make the canal safer for structures along its banks as well as for boat traffic. An unexpected aspect of this work is that $1 million of the grant will be used for beautifying the bulkheads. "It's great that repairs will be made, but it's even better that we will have the opportunity to improve the appearance of the bulkheads," said assistant to the mayor, Holden DeLine. 

The metal bulkheads have always been considered the least attractive aspect of the canal. The top is an orange that looks like rust. When the water level is low, the ugly, brown parts of the bulkheads are visible. Thanks to the grant, this unsightly view of the canal will be remedied.


"We are holding a contest that will allow children to display their creativity on the bulkheads," said DeLine. "We've already received over 200 entries, and 10 talented children will be chosen. They will each receive a $10 gift card to a local tattoo parlor."


The contest is being run by Ocean County College professor, Dr. Art Gahleree. "It's very exciting to see the wonderful works the children are creating. I'm honored to be judging the entries." Dr. Galheree also noted that the transfer process for the bulkheads is fascinating.

"Because the bulkheads are corrugated, it's not like painting on a flat surface," said Dr. Gahleree, "The artwork will be scanned and then burned into the metal by a laser that will account for the grooves and ridges. Then the colors will be etched into the bulkhead with special acid-based pigments. Finally, a protective epoxy layer is applied that should preserve the images for up to two years!"

The contest ends on March 1 and winners will be announced in April. Dr. Art Gahleree hopes that decorating the bulkheads will be done by June. "We'll have to close the canal for about a month in May. I think we can all agree that is a small inconvenience when you consider the beautiful artwork we will all get to enjoy later!"

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