CAPE MAY COUNTY, NJ — In a major win for the American Coastal Coalition, federal officials have pledged "tens of millions of dollars" in emergency funding to repair severe beach erosion across the Jersey Shore before the 2026 summer season.
Following a February 13 tour of some of the state’s most critically damaged shorelines, Adam Telle, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, joined U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) to announce a fast-tracked "repair blitz." The initiative aims to restore badly eroded beaches in Ocean City, Upper Township (Strathmere), Avalon, and other parts of Cape May, Atlantic, and Ocean Counties, all of which are areas that have faced significant sand loss from recent coastal storms and nor’easters.
Key Highlights of the Plan:
- Rapid Mobilization: Officials expect resources to be available within one to two months, with construction beginning shortly thereafter to ensure beaches are ready for summer crowds.
- No Legislative Delay: Rep. Van Drew confirmed that the proposal does not require new congressional legislation, allowing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize the hardest-hit areas immediately.
- Focus on Hotspots: The repairs will specifically target "emergency areas" where erosion has carved out dangerous gaps in the dunes and coastline.
Looking Toward Long-Term Stability
Beyond the immediate emergency repairs, a new bipartisan effort is underway to end the cycle of "emergency-only" funding. Rep. Van Drew and U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY) have introduced the Coastal Trust Fund Act.
"This legislation would designate $1 billion annually for permanent beach repair funding, drawing from federal revenue generated by offshore energy leases rather than tax increases."
This move represents a shift toward proactive coastal management, ensuring that shore communities have a reliable, dedicated stream of revenue to combat the increasing frequency of major storm events.