Van Drew And Mayors Unite to Save Jersey Shore Beaches

Cape May County’s fragile shoreline, an economic and cultural lifeline for the region, took center stage this week as Congressman Jeff Van Drew convened local leaders and federal officials in a push for lasting protections.

It’s no secret that New Jersey beaches are a major revenue source for the state of New Jersey. According to NJ.Gov, in 2024, visitors spent $50.6  billion in total across New Jersey, generating an economic impact of $80.4 billion when indirect and induced effects are included.

Meeting with mayors from Cape May, Atlantic, and Ocean Counties, along with representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Van Drew laid out both short and long-term strategies to combat erosion and ensure the sustainability of the Jersey Shore’s beaches.

“Our beaches are the backbone of our communities, our economy, and our way of life,” Van Drew said following the meeting. “I will be introducing legislation that secures permanent, reliable funding for beach projects nationwide, giving towns the stability they deserve while driving down costs. We are also pressing the dredging industry to reduce expenses and moving forward with the Hot Spot Erosion Mitigation Law, now being piloted in Atlantic City.”

The Hot Spot Erosion Mitigation Law, included in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to identify and address “hot spots” along New Jersey’s shoreline areas that experience unusually rapid erosion compared to surrounding beaches.

Once identified, the Corps can implement targeted solutions such as beach renourishment, seawalls, or living shoreline projects to stabilize these vulnerable areas.

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The Congressman also dismissed rumors that federal funding for replenishment had been pulled back. “That is simply not true,” he stated. “We have delivered record levels of funding for our shore, and I expect that success to continue. My promise remains unchanged: I will always fight to protect our beaches, our towns, and our families.”

The meeting drew strong backing from Cape May County officials and mayors across the Shore.

Avalon Mayor John McCorristin praised Van Drew’s long-term vision: “Congressman Van Drew has delivered millions to support Avalon in the past, and his leadership ensures that future stabilization projects remain viable. His work on long-term sustainability is critical for our community and beyond.”

In Brigantine, Mayor Vince Sera underscored the regional scope of the issue: “Beach erosion is not just a Brigantine issue; it is a challenge up and down the Jersey Shore. By joining forces with our Congressman, the Army Corps, the DEP, and neighboring towns, we can create smarter, long-term solutions that protect homes and livelihoods.”

Closer to home, Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. spoke to the community’s reliance on its expansive beaches: “Our beaches are everything to us. Congressman Van Drew understands that, and we know he will keep fighting to ensure the Jersey Shore is protected for years to come.”

Cape May County Commissioner Director and Sea Isle City Mayor Lenny Desiderio added that regional unity was essential: “No town should be left behind. By coming together as one shore community, we can better protect our coast and future generations.”

If enacted, Van Drew’s proposed legislation could mark a turning point in how beach replenishment and coastal protection are funded, not just in Cape May County but across the country.

For local residents and visitors, the stakes remain high.

Shore towns rely on wide, healthy beaches to draw summer tourism, shield homes from storm damage, and maintain the region’s identity as a premier coastal destination.

As erosion continues to threaten South Jersey’s shoreline, the collaboration between federal lawmakers, state agencies, and local leaders signals a united front.

Whether this results in meaningful, permanent funding solutions could determine the future of Cape May County’s beaches for decades to come.

Below you can see how the beaches in North Wildwood fared after Hurricane Erin passed by.

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