NEW JERSEY MUNICIPALITIES ARTICLE FOR DECEMBER EDITION
Submitted by The Jersey Shore Partnership
___________________________________________________________

PROTECTING OUR BEACHES…CAN WE AFFORD NOT TO?

Back in 1991, we saw what happened. A devastating nor’easter nearly wiped out the communities located along the 127 mile New Jersey coastline, destroying beaches, infrastructure, homes and livelihoods.

New Jersey is fortunate that we have not had a serious storm in the past decade, but that tends to make people complacent and willing to take a “wait and see what happens” approach. Strong, healthy beaches are the best protection in the event of a storm surge. Protecting, enhancing and preserving the Jersey shore that includes not only the 127 miles of beaches, but all the inner bays and waterways, can be accomplished only by proper, long-range planning and management of development.

Protecting our beaches is not a local issue, it is a statewide issue. Tourism is New Jersey’s second largest industry and the four coastal counties contribute $19 billion to the state’s tourism economy each year. The growing shift in population to coastal counties and the increased demand for coastal tourism destinations make it essential that we value New Jersey’s beaches as a unique asset that must be protected and nourished. Relative sea level rise due to climate change and the prospect of more frequent and devastating storms will make it even more important that we protect, maintain and enhance our beaches. Sensitivity to local issues and concerns is required for effective coastal management but a flexible, regional framework for shore protection also is needed.

The Jersey Shore Partnership (The Partnership) was founded in response to the 1991 Halloween storm to guarantee that state and federal funding is available to protect our beaches and waterways from the effects of future storms. The Partnership is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization based in Red Bank, New Jersey. A major effort has been made by The Partnership and its supporters in the state Legislature to keep shore issues before Congress so that essential federal funding is allocated to supplement state and local monies.

The Partnership’s first successful advocacy effort resulted in the state’s enactment of an annual $15 million fund for beach restoration, re-nourishment and ongoing maintenance management ~ the first such legislation to be passed in the nation. A few years later, The Partnership successfully lobbied to increase the annual state funding to $25 million, where it stands today. This funding commitment, matched by federal dollars, has enabled New Jersey to lead the nation in safeguarding the shoreline. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has pumped millions of cubic yards of sand onto the most seriously eroded beaches preventing dangerous flooding of roadways, businesses, boardwalks and homes. In addition, year-round monitoring allows beach communities to address erosion problems that could lead to disruption of ecosystems and the infrastructure.

The Partnership, with the help of its many supporters, has been an outstanding success. But there is still much to be done. There are always worthy, competing demands for the attention of Congress and for the federal funds that are available. In a recent poll conducted by the Monmouth University Polling Institute, it was reported that “most Mid-Atlantic coastal community residents (65%) are convinced that coastal areas will be at a greater risk for flooding and damage from sea level rise in the next 25 years. Only 27% feel that public reports of these risks have been exaggerated.” The survey found that Mid-Atlantic coast residents believe their local coastal environments are in generally good health, but they are concerned about erosion and pollution and feel that the government could be doing more to protect the coast.

The Partnership will continue its mission to advocate for federal funds to protect and promote the unique interests of the shore area that benefit the entire state. Federal funding is currently on hold, but at this time we believe that the long-overdue Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) has enough votes in Congress to override a threatened Presidential veto. The bill, which authorizes $23 billion, represents a significant portion of the funding needed to maintain programs currently on hold in New Jersey. The recent passage of the bill comes almost seven years after the enactment of the last WRDA bill in 2000. Its enactment will be an important response to recognizing the critical need to protect our country’s coastal areas and is one of the top priorities of The Partnership.

As mayors and municipal officials, you are the champions for your communities and you well understand the need for advocates in the State House and in Congress. We would like to engage in a dialogue with you to work toward preserving and protecting New Jersey’s unique natural resource. We invite you to visit our website at www.jerseyshorepartnership.com for Partnership news and contact information and we welcome all comments and ideas from you.

Richard T. Dewling, Ph.D, P.E., DEE
President
The Jersey Shore Partnership
ddewling@aol.com