Congressman Jeff Van Drew has renewed his call for New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency and issue a disaster declaration for the Jersey Shore, following ongoing storm damage since July.
In a follow-up letter sent to the governor, Van Drew addressed recent statements from Murphy’s office and emphasized the need for immediate action. “This is not about politics right now,” said Congressman Van Drew. “This is about the state of our beloved Jersey Shore. Since July, our beaches have been battered by hurricanes and repeated nor’easters. Because of it, we have seen major dune loss, collapsed beaches, and damage across multiple shore towns. This is real, and it is serious. The Governor says this does not qualify for a major federal disaster declaration, but that misses the point. It is not a major declaration that is needed; it is a state declaration. That single step opens the door for the Army Corps of Engineers to step in and help, and the Governor knows that. Even the Army Corps and the state’s own Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) agree that action is needed. The only thing missing now is the Governor taking action. There is funding available. Disaster supplemental funds have been used for beach nourishment for decades. I have already identified the funds that could be used here, and I have spoken with the Army Corps about how this work would move forward. But again, nothing can happen until the Governor makes the declaration.”
Van Drew highlighted that both federal and state agencies recognize the need for intervention along affected shorelines but stressed that further progress depends on executive action at the state level.