Declare State Of Emergency For Beach Protection, Van Drew Says

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) sent a letter to Gov. Phil Murphy and Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill urging them to declare a state of emergency and issue a disaster declaration so that federal funds can be secured to stabilize and repair Jersey Shore beaches.

"Under federal law, New Jersey cannot even begin the process of requesting emergency help from the Army Corps of Engineers unless the Governor makes this declaration," Van Drew said.

Van Drew said that he has identified the federal funding needed and has spoken with the Army Corps of Engineers on how to implement it. However, the governor must make the formal request.

Storms in the late summer and fall caused significant erosion on local beaches. Some even declared a local state of emergency over it. Read more: Beach Erosion 'Emergency' Declared In Ocean City

Another contributing factor is that no federal dollars have been allocated for beach replenishment this year. That meant that beach nourishment projects, which typically happen every couple of years, were put on hold for 2025.

"I am urging both Governor Murphy and Governor-elect Sherrill to make this declaration immediately so the state can request this federal support. Every day we wait allows more erosion and delays the work that needs to begin," Van Drew said. "Once the State submits the request, I will do everything I can at the federal level to move the process forward and make sure our shore towns get the attention they deserve. But none of that can happen until the Governor takes that step."