Cape May County Backs Coastal Act to Secure Beach Funding for Wildwoods

Cape May County Backs Coastal Act to Secure Beach Funding for Wildwoods

Cape May County officials are throwing their full support behind a new federal proposal aimed at finally delivering long-term, reliable funding for shoreline protection projects across the region.

The Cape May County Board of Commissioners has unanimously passed a resolution endorsing legislation introduced by Jefferson Van Drew known as the Coastal Trust Fund Act.

The bill, officially labeled H.R. 7459, would establish a dedicated “Coastal Storm Risk Management Trust Fund,” designed to provide stable federal funding for beach renourishment and coastal protection efforts.

While many coastal communities in New Jersey have already benefited from federally backed beach protection projects through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Wildwoods remain a major exception.

That includes North Wildwood and surrounding beachfront areas, which are still waiting for construction on a long-discussed federal beach renourishment project.

Right now, funding for these types of projects often depends on yearly requests and federal earmarks. County officials say that system creates uncertainty and delays, leaving shorelines exposed to erosion and storm damage while costs continue to rise.

What the Coastal Trust Fund Would Do

Under the proposed legislation, the new trust fund would receive $1 billion annually. That money would cover the federal share of key coastal projects, including:

• Beach renourishment
• Storm risk reduction
• Maintenance and repairs
• Long-term shoreline protection

The goal is to eliminate the current system where towns compete for limited funding, replacing it with predictable, multi-year project planning.

For coastal communities like those in Cape May County, that could mean faster timelines and more consistent protection between major beach replenishment cycles.

County Commissioner Director Leonard Desiderio emphasized just how critical these projects are to the region.

He pointed to Cape May County’s beaches as a driving force behind tourism, property values, and public safety.

Desiderio also praised Congressman Van Drew as a long-time advocate for federal shoreline funding, saying the resolution reinforces a strong partnership aimed at protecting the county’s future.

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Along with backing the Coastal Trust Fund Act, the county is also urging federal leaders to include strong shoreline protection measures in the upcoming 2026 Water Resources Development Act.

Officials are specifically calling on the Army Corps to prioritize and accelerate long-term solutions for Cape May County’s coastline.

The resolution will now be formally sent to Van Drew, U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim, as well as all municipalities across the county for further support.

For the Wildwoods, this is another step in a long-running effort to secure the beach protection project residents have been waiting years to see.

If the funding structure changes, it could finally remove one of the biggest roadblocks holding those projects back.

You can see the latest Wildwoods beach erosion in our drone video below. Before you watch, please consider subscribing.