FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cape May County Joins American Coastal Coalition as First County Member to Champion Federal Funding for America’s Beaches
Historic Shore Communities Unite Nationwide to Protect Beaches and Tourism Economies
CAPE MAY COUNTY, N.J. –
The American Coastal Coalition is pleased to welcome Cape May County, New Jersey, as its newest member – the first county to join the nationwide coalition fighting to protect America’s beaches. The Coalition advocates for sustained federal funding for beach nourishment, coastal restoration, and resilient infrastructure that keeps communities safe and economies thriving.
Cape May County is home to many of the nation’s most historic seasonal resort communities, including Ocean City, Cape May, and the Wildwoods. The County’s greatest attraction is its magnificent beaches, which support 42,000 jobs and drove a record $8.44 billion in visitor spending in 2025.
“Cape May County’s beaches are more than just a destination—they are the foundation of our economy, our quality of life, and our identity as a coastal community,” said Commissioner Director Leonard C. Desiderio. “By joining the American Coastal Coalition, we are strengthening our voice in Washington and advocating for the federal investment necessary to preserve our shoreline, protect our communities, and sustain the tourism industry that supports thousands of local jobs.”
“Cape May County’s iconic shoreline is a national treasure,” said Dan Ginolfi, Executive Director of the American Coastal Coalition. “As the first county to join our coalition, they bring powerful local leadership and a shared commitment to fighting for the federal beach nourishment funding that coastal economies depend on. Together, our position is stronger in Washington, D.C.”
“As a resident and elected official from the City of North Wildwood, I understand that beach renourishment is not simply an environmental issue – it is an economic and public safety imperative,” said Commissioner Patrick T. Rosenello. “Our beaches provide critical storm protection for homes, businesses, and infrastructure while supporting billions of dollars in economic activity. We are proud to stand alongside coastal communities across the nation in advocating for reliable federal funding that helps ensure our shoreline remains strong, resilient, and protected for future generations.”
The American Coastal Coalition works directly with Members of Congress and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to restore and maintain beaches that drive billions in economic activity while protecting homes, businesses, and public infrastructure from erosion, storms, and sea-level rise.
The ACC is leading a seasonal #YEStoBeaches campaign to demonstrate the importance of federal funding for America’s beaches and encourages all coastal communities, counties and businesses that rely on beaches to join. More information below.
About the American Coastal Coalition
The American Coastal Coalition is a unified voice for America’s coastal communities in Washington, D.C. The Coalition advocates for robust federal funding for beach nourishment, coastal restoration, and resilient infrastructure to help communities adapt to sea-level rise, flooding, and climate change. For more information or to learn how to get involved in the #YEStoBeaches campaign, please visit americancoastalcoalition.org.