Dear Editor:

New Jersey has just experienced a storm with effects similar to those of the back-to- back 1992 northeasters that ripped apart our shore communities, destroying the business economy, disrupting transportation, and threatening the safety of residents. We are grateful to Governor Corzine for declaring a state emergency. We ask everyone who cares about the shore to urge the Governor, their Congressional leaders and state legislators to call upon the President to now declare the shore a federal emergency area to make federal funds available.

The recent storms remind us of the damage northeasters and hurricanes cause to our coastline. Past storm damage inspired the Legislature, with the support of the Jersey Shore Partnership, to create a stable source of funding for shore protection and restoration of infrastructure in beach communities.

We know from experience that beach management, including beach replenishment, works. The more than 50 million cubic yards of sand pumped onto the beaches helped protect communities from even greater damage. The beaches draw tourists who spend $19 billion a year - one-half the total tourism revenue - and generate taxes for the state. New Jersey cannot afford to ignore its 127 mile coastline.

Our shore communities are in critical need of federal dollars to rebuild their beaches. The Jersey Shore Partnership strongly urges our Congressional delegation, governor and Legislature to appeal to President Obama to declare New Jersey a federal emergency area.

Sincerely,

Jack Rosenfeld
JSP Chairman