Politics & Government
Ocean City Asks Gov. Murphy For Beach State Of Emergency Declaration
City Council is following in Rep. Jeff Van Drew's footsteps and asking for a state of emergency for federal funding to replenish beaches.
OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City officials are joining Rep. Jeff Van Drew's call for Gov. Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency so storm-damaged beaches can be replenished for the 2026 tourism season.
A state of emergency would unlock federal funding needed for beach replenishment.
Storms in the late summer and fall caused significant erosion on beaches throughout New Jersey. Ocean City even declared a local state of emergency over it. Read more: Beach Erosion 'Emergency' Declared In Ocean City
Find out what's happening in Ocean Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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.
"The federal government has the money," Mayor Jay Gillian said. He added that the city was preparing for the 2026 season and the beaches would be ready.
Find out what's happening in Ocean Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Business Administrator George Savastano said that the city is looking into every option available.
"I want everyone to know that Ocean City beaches will be ready for the summer no matter what," Gillian said.
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