Governor Asks For Federal Help For Nor'easter-Battered Jersey Shore Beaches

TRENTON, NJ — The Sherrill administration has asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for expedited emergency help to repair and restore beaches in eight federal project areas damaged in the nor’easter that hit New Jersey late last month. The request covers seven Coastal Storm Risk Management Project areas overseen by the Corps’ Philadelphia District and one project area under the New York District.

According to the administration, the request was made under Public Law 84-99, which gives the Army Corps authority to assist state and local governments with storm preparedness, response and recovery actions. A post-storm assessment by the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Coastal Engineering found that while many beaches held up during the storm, other areas were left with heavily sloped erosion, exposed groins and increased wave runup to upper beaches, seawalls and dunes.

The assessment determined that the eight federal coastal storm risk management projects were significantly damaged and are now “vulnerable to future catastrophic failure without near-term repair.”

“We are working to get our coastal communities every resource they need to recover from the recent nor’easter and replenish the beaches and dunes that protect residents, homes, and businesses. I thank DEP for swiftly completing its damage assessment so we can pursue federal assistance without delay. My Administration will continue working closely with these communities to secure the support they need to remain resilient throughout storm season,” Gov. Mikie Sherrill said.

The project areas named in the request are Sandy Hook to Barnegat Inlet, Sections I and II Beach Erosion Control Project, from Sea Bright to Manasquan, under the New York District.

The Philadelphia District areas are Absecon Island, Long Beach Island, Brigantine Island, Ocean City, Great Egg Harbor Inlet to Townsend Inlet, Manasquan Inlet to Barnegat Inlet, and Townsend Inlet to Cape May Inlet.

“New Jersey needs both short- and long-term funding for beach replenishment projects to protect lives and property, strengthen coastal resilience, and prevent significant disruptions to our state’s vital tourism industry,” said 9th District Sen. Carmen Amato, Asm. Briam Rumpf and Asm. Gregory Myhre.

“One thing this storm has demonstrated is that beach replenishment works. It helps protect homes, minimizes damage from powerful storms, and provides a critical line of defense,” said 1st District Sen. Michael Testa. “But, even with that protection in place, the damage is significant and we cannot afford to wait any longer to make the necessary repairs.”