New Jersey’s Jersey Shore has been battling a long-running sandstorm that has caused significant erosion in North Wildwood. The state has finally agreed to carry out an emergency beach replenishment project in the area, following years of legal disputes between the city and state over measures taken to combat the encroaching seas. While it may be another 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 shores, an emergency project has been agreed upon to provide immediate protection from storm surges and flooding. Governor Phil Murphy and Mayor Patrick Rosenello have credited each other for their leadership in resolving the issue.
The emergency beach replenishment project will be carried out by the state Department of Transportation, with cost estimates yet to be determined. Rosenello expressed hope that the city will be required to contribute towards the cost. This agreement could potentially end over a decade of legal and political disputes over erosion in North Wildwood, a popular vacation spot for Philadelphians. North Wildwood has been fined $12 million by New Jersey for unauthorized beach repairs viewed as worsening erosion, while the city is suing to recoup the $30 million it has spent trucking sand to the site over the years.
North Wildwood has requested permission from the state to build a steel bulkhead along the most heavily eroded section of its beachfront, a measure the state Department of Environmental Protection tends to oppose as a long-term solution. Instead, they favor beach replenishment projects carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to widen and protect eroded beaches. These projects have been undertaken along virtually the entire 127-mile New Jersey coastline, but legal approvals and property easements have prevented one from happening in North Wildwood. However, a temporary beach replenishment project is set to begin in the next few weeks, with an expected completion date by July 4.
Governor Phil Murphy and Mayor Patrick Rosenello have expressed their support for the emergency project, which they believe will bring about much-needed relief and protection for North Wildwood. The agreement is seen as a positive step forward in resolving the ongoing disputes and working towards long-term solutions for erosion in the area. While the immediate project is a temporary fix, it is hoped that it will pave the way for smoother cooperation between the city and state in addressing future challenges related to erosion and beach protection. Both parties have acknowledged the importance of finding common ground and working together towards a shared goal of preserving the beauty and safety of North Wildwood’s beaches.
The emergency beach replenishment project is expected to have a significant impact on North Wildwood, enhancing the beachgoer experience and safeguarding the area from further erosion and storm damage. The support and advocacy of elected officials from both parties have been instrumental in brokering the agreement and moving the project forward. The involvement of the state Department of Transportation and the subsequent completion of the project by July 4 are seen as significant milestones in addressing the erosion issues that have plagued North Wildwood for years. The collaboration between the city and state in implementing temporary solutions can serve as a foundation for future cooperation and planning to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the Jersey Shore.
