Posted on December 21, 2025
Brigantine City Council is urging the governor to declare a state of emergency due to beach erosion impacting the Jersey Shore.
Council unanimously passed a resolution that wants a Gov. Phil Murphy to issue a state disaster declaration in response to ongoing and severe coastal erosion and storm damage.
The move comes following two letters from Congressman Jeff Van Drew calling on the governor to take executive action to unlock state and federal emergency assistance.
The Governor’s Office previously said there was insufficient damage to justify a major disaster declaration.
But a major disaster declaration is not required to address the current conditions at the Jersey Shore, Van Drew said. Instead, a state disaster declaration or a state of emergency would create a path for New Jersey to legally request federal emergency assistance through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“Our island and our neighboring coastal communities are facing real and growing risks from repeated storm events and accelerating erosion,” Brigantine Mayor Vince Sera said. “This resolution reflects the urgency of the situation and our need for immediate state and federal support to protect homes, public safety, and critical infrastructure.”
Addressing the current erosion challenges requires coordination and resources beyond what local governments can provide alone, he added.
Council passed a separate resolution last month declaring a local state of emergency for both beach replenishment and coastal restoration, but received no response from the Governor’s Office.
“I want to thank Congressman Van Drew for his ongoing efforts on behalf of Brigantine and the Jersey Shore,” Sera said. “His office has been actively engaged, meeting with affected homeowners, coordinating with federal agencies, and advocating for the use of available Disaster Supplemental funding to help stabilize and protect our shoreline.”
Brigantine is not the only local municipality asking for the governor’s help.
Ocean City City Council also approved a resolution this week asking for a similar declaration.
“The money’s there,” Mayor Jay Gillian told council, OCNJ Daily reported. “The federal government has the money.”
