The Jersey Shore may finally see an end to a long-running sandstorm, as North Wildwood, New Jersey, prepares for an emergency beach replenishment project. The town and the state have been in a legal battle for years over erosion measures and the lack of replenishment projects in the area. It may take up to two years before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection begin pumping sand onto North Wildwood’s critically eroded shores.
After years of fighting, Mayor Patrick Rosenello and Governor Phil Murphy have agreed to an emergency project to pump sand ashore in the interim, providing protection from storm surges and flooding. This decision comes after years of unresolved issues regarding erosion in North Wildwood. The state Department of Transportation will be responsible for the work, but cost estimates were not available. It remains unclear if North Wildwood will need to contribute to the expenses, although the town has offered to make a contribution.
The agreement between North Wildwood and the state could put an end to over a decade of legal and political disputes over erosion in the area. New Jersey has fined the town for unauthorized beach repairs, while the city has spent millions on trucking sand to the site without a replenishment program. Mayor Rosenello hopes the agreement will lead to both sides dismissing their legal actions, although there is still work to be done before that can happen. The state Department of Environmental Protection prefers beach replenishment projects over bulkheads as a long-term solution to erosion.
The state has historically opposed bulkheads as they can worsen erosion by encouraging sand scouring against them. Instead, they advocate for beach replenishment projects where sand is pumped from offshore onto eroded beaches to create sand dunes. North Wildwood has struggled to secure legal approvals and property easements for such projects in the past. While the emergency project will provide temporary relief, a more permanent solution is needed. The mayor is hopeful that the beaches will be restored by the July 4 holiday, bringing relief to residents and beachgoers.
Overall, the emergency beach replenishment project in North Wildwood marks a significant step towards addressing the long-standing erosion issues at the Jersey Shore. The agreement between the town and the state could potentially bring an end to years of legal battles and disputes over erosion control measures. With the support of the state Department of Transportation and advocacy from elected officials, North Wildwood may finally receive the much-needed protection from storm surges and flooding. As the project moves forward, residents and beachgoers can look forward to enjoying healthier beaches and a safer shoreline in the near future.
