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Crews Begin Installing Planks For New Seaside Heights Boardwalk

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Workers have laid down the first planks of the new boardwalk in Seaside Heights after Superstorm Sandy destroyed the entire length of the town's mile-long boardwalk.

Last month, heavy equipment including a gigantic drill and a pile-driving machine were brought onto the sand in the south end of town. Crews then began drilling holes in the sand and pounding in wooden pilings.

Mayor William Akers said restoring the boardwalk so that it can be walked on safely should be done by May 10.

"It's the culmination of a lot of hard work, starting with the rescues, the cleanup, the planning, culminating in the actual rebuilding of Seaside Heights," he said.

The town's Jet Star roller coaster plunged off an amusement pier during the storm, coming to rest in the ocean as perhaps the most enduring image of Sandy. Plans still have not been finalized for its removal,

Meanwhile, New Jersey plans to hire the unemployed to help repair damage to state parks caused by Sandy.

Labor Commissioner Hal Wirths will announce details of the program during a news conference at Liberty State Park in Jersey City Monday.

Officials plan to use a federal grant to hire those out of work. They'll be assigned to clean up and restore Liberty State Park and other parks throughout the state.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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