Posted on August 4, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02) reaffirmed last week his steadfast commitment to securing full funding for beach replenishment projects essential for protecting life and property along the Jersey Shore. The Congressman is proactively working with federal partners to ensure these vital coastal programs continue without interruption.
“I will always protect the Jersey Shore,” said Congressman Van Drew. “I am aware of the current funding situation, and I am actively engaged with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address it. We have a track record of delivering record federal dollars for our shore communities, and I am fully committed to ensuring our beach nourishment program continues and that our shoreline remains strong and protected.”
Congressman Van Drew has a proven history of delivering for South Jersey’s coastal towns. Since 2022, he has secured over $88 million for critical coastal resilience, including:
- $39 million for beach replenishment on Long Beach Island
- $24 million for Avalon and Stone Harbor
- $12.5 million for Brigantine
- $16.5 million secured this year for Atlantic City, which includes funds to implement its hot spot erosion mitigation legislation to make replenishment more sustainable.
The Congressman noted that a primary challenge to securing funding is the exorbitant cost of the projects, driven by a dredging monopoly. “Over the years, that monopoly has only gotten worse and much more expensive,” Van Drew stated. “We are working with the Army Corps on alternatives and solutions to bring these costs down and make our taxpayer dollars go further.”
Demonstrating his direct action on the issue, Congressman Van Drew recently responded to a request from Surf City officials by meeting with the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the key federal decision-maker on budget resources. In the meeting, he advocated for an additional $35.5 million—the full amount needed by the Army Corps’ Philadelphia District—to fund replenishment projects on Long Beach Island.
“No matter what, we always find a way to deliver for our coastal communities,” Van Drew concluded. “My commitment is unwavering, and I will continue to fight to ensure these necessary projects are fully funded.”
