Jersey Shore City Hits Emergency Alarm After Major Beach Slip-Back Turns Homes and Dunes Into Danger Zone
After storms and high tides washed away dunes and beaches, a New Jersey coastal town requested aid. Officials say sand loss makes homes and buildings more vulnerable to big storms.
A city council resolution requested federal and state aid for “severe beach and dune erosion.” Few dunes, many sand cliffs on island. Roads and homes are poorly protected by narrow beaches.
Sand and dunes were washed away by daytime nor’easters and shore storms. Since the walls fell, 15th Street North to Roosevelt Boulevard are farther from the beach.
Residents fear a coastal storm will flood roads, homes, and infrastructure if nothing is done. The council’s emergency declaration brings state and federal funds for beach nourishment, dune reconstruction, and shoreline stabilization engineering.
NJ resort Ocean City reconsidered. City council asked federal and state engineers to repair dunes and shoreline. The city didn’t fund sand replacement and barrier rebuilding between 1st and 13th Streets, where erosion was worst.
Army Corps of Engineers works with state and federal lawmakers nationwide. To slow erosion, get emergency permits, spread sand, and build offshore breakwaters or wave barriers. More people realize natural beach systems may not be enough to protect against storms and rising seas.
The next steps are crucial for Brigantine residents and businesses. Moderate tides can flood homes without dunes. Emergency declarations allow cities to request federal aid, permits, and repairs. Resupply projects are expensive, difficult, and time-consuming due to sand shortages and rising coastal demand.
Municipalities lack time and money to repair Jersey Shore storm-induced erosion. A local official says the dunes are the best Atlantic Ocean-human land barrier. The mitigation window is closing as those dunes disappear or are severely damaged.
Watch city news and evacuation orders for the next big storm. Engineer permits, sanding, and armoring city shorelines will speed up. Local leaders say the shore emergency requires immediate action. It’s supposed to determine community resilience.
Sources
Press of Atlantic City, Cat Country 107.3, WPVI / 6abc
