Congressman Jeff Van Drew met with mayors from Cape May, Atlantic, and Ocean Counties, as well as officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to discuss strategies for protecting South Jersey’s beaches.
“Yesterday, we had a very important meeting focused on keeping our beaches strong and secure,” said Congressman Van Drew. “In the long term, I will be introducing legislation to make sure there is permanent and reliable funding for beach projects all across the country. This will give our towns the stability they deserve and help keep costs down. I will also be meeting with the dredging industry to push for lower costs for projects, and we are moving forward with my Hot Spot Erosion Mitigation Law, which is already being piloted in Atlantic City to keep sand on the beaches while saving money for our communities.”
Van Drew addressed concerns about federal funding for beach replenishment, stating: “Some people have been told that federal dollars for beach replenishment were taken back or cancelled, and that is simply not true. We have delivered record levels of funding for our shore, and I expect that success to continue. My promise is the same as it has always been—I will always fight to protect our beaches, our towns, and our families here at the Jersey Shore.”
Mayor John McCorristin of Avalon commented on Van Drew’s efforts: “Avalon is deeply grateful to Congressman Van Drew for taking a leadership role on both short and long-term solutions to beach funding issues and future resiliency for coastal regions of the United States. Congressman Van Drew has delivered millions of dollars to support Avalon on prior projects, as he always stands tall for our community and our district. We are excited to support his goal of long-term sustainability for beach stabilization and new approaches that will protect Avalon and other communities in the future.”
Mayor Vince Sera of Brigantine highlighted regional cooperation: “I joined fellow South Jersey mayors and community leaders for an important meeting with Congressman Van Drew, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the NJ DEP. The focus was on how we can better address beach erosion and the future of replenishment projects. Congressman Van Drew is working on legislation to create permanent, long-term funding for replenishments. Beach erosion is not just a Brigantine issue. It’s a challenge up and down the Jersey Shore. By working together with our Congressman, the Army Corps, the DEP, and our neighboring towns, we can move toward smarter, long-term solutions that protect our residents, our homes, and our way of life.”
Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. of Wildwood stated: “Congressman Van Drew has once again shown real leadership on this issue. Our beaches are everything to our community, and he understands how important this is to all of us. We appreciate his commitment and know he is going to keep fighting to make sure the Jersey Shore is protected for years to come.”
Cape May County Commissioner Director Lenny Desiderio emphasized unity among local governments: “Thank you to Congressman Van Drew for getting everyone together, with every town represented from Ocean County all the way down to Cape May,” said Desiderio. “Together, we are all committed to working as one shore community to protect our coast, making sure that no town is left behind.”
