Van Drew Tours Shore Damage With FEMA, Army Corps After Nor'easter

Atlantic City was the starting point Thursday for a tour of South Jersey shore communities hit by the recent nor'easter, as U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew joined federal, state and local officials to assess damage and discuss recovery needs. The group also reviewed long-term coastal protection projects, according to information released about the visit.

Joining Van Drew were FEMA Region 2 Administrator Christopher Hartnett, Performing Assistant Secretary for the Army D. Lee Forsgren, and Interim Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations Brigadier General Geoffrey Van Epps. Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection also took part, along with state, county and local officials.

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"This was the worst storm we have seen here in more than a decade, and there was very serious damage up and down our coast," said Van Drew. He said recent beach work helped reduce the impact in some places. "We secured $99 million for beach replenishment, got those projects built under budget and in time, and those beaches took a tremendous amount of the impact from this storm."

Van Drew also said communities along the shore and Delaware Bay are still being evaluated.

"We are assessing damage throughout our shore communities and in towns along the Delaware Bay so we understand the full extent of what happened and what help is needed," he said.

He added that $30 million is moving through the federal funding process for beach replenishment in Atlantic City and the rest of Absecon Island, and said he secured provisions in this year's Water Resources Development Act tied to South Jersey coastal projects.

Local leaders said the visit brought attention to urgent conditions in their communities.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. said the storm created "serious challenges for Atlantic City and coastal towns across South Jersey" and said city emergency management staff, law enforcement and regional first responders worked "around the clock to help protect our community."

Brigantine Mayor Vince Sera said damage at the North End of the island needs immediate protection while longer-term solutions are developed. He also pointed to erosion at the South End and the condition of the Brigantine Jetty.

North Wildwood Mayor Sal Zampirri described the storm as "one of the most impactful coastal storms our area has experienced in recent years."

Mayors in Long Beach Island and Sea Isle City also credited earlier beach replenishment work with helping limit worse damage. The tour centered on documenting storm impacts and reviewing what federal help may be available as South Jersey communities move into recovery.