A $54 million plan to protect New Jersey beaches from erosion has fallen apart. Officials are now exploring new ways to bring sand to the Jersey Shore.
The failed project aimed to move sand along Five Mile Island, covering North Wildwood, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and Diamond Beach. However, funding has since been reallocated, leaving the plan on hold and raising concerns about the future of tourism in the region.
North Wildwood in particular has long struggled with beach erosion. Large storms strip away dunes, threatening the local populace and its tourism-centered economy. Efforts have been made to replenish sand, but they are temporary, and much of it washes away shortly after delivery, according to the Independent.
Past proposals relied on redistributing sand between towns to maintain healthy beaches across New Jersey’s shore communities. Those plans stalled amid disputes. Wildwood and Wildwood Crest officials opposed removing sand from their shores, citing concerns about emergency access, beach events, and dune strength.
North Wildwood officials are now exploring a standalone restoration project, pending state and federal approval. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has reopened discussions with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to explore alternative sand sources.
Climate change adds urgency to the mix. Rising sea levels increase flooding risk for barrier islands, many just feet above sea level. Future storms could speed up erosion and exasperate the problem.
New Jersey has already spent tens of millions from its Shore Protection Fund, but federal support has been limited. Last July, the Trump administration cut off federal funds for beach renewal projects, blindsiding Shore towns. Officials hope renewed coordination between state and federal governments can deliver a long-term solution to a growing problem at our state’s beaches.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.