Bill Proposes $1B Fund for Jersey Shore Beach Protection

Bipartisan legislation would create permanent funding source for coastal storm risk management projects.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A proposed bipartisan bill introduced by Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) and Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY) would establish a $1 billion Coastal Trust Fund to provide a permanent and reliable funding stream for beach nourishment and other coastal storm risk management projects across the country. The bill aims to secure dedicated federal funding for these critical infrastructure projects that protect waterfront communities and preserve shorelines.

Why it matters

The American coastal economy contributes 46% of the nation's GDP, but coastal communities often lack consistent federal funding for beach protection projects until after disasters strike. This legislation seeks to change that status quo by creating a dedicated funding source to proactively invest in coastal storm risk management.

The details

The Coastal Trust Fund Act would set up a $1 billion annual fund to be used by the Army Corps of Engineers for coastal storm management projects like beach nourishment. The fund would be financed through existing offshore energy lease revenues, allowing it to be budget-neutral with no new taxes or fees. The bill was developed through collaboration with coastal experts and has received support from organizations like the American Coastal Coalition and American Shore and Beach Preservation Association.

  • The Coastal Trust Fund Act was introduced in Congress in February 2026.

The players

Rep. Jeff Van Drew

A Republican Congressman from New Jersey who introduced the Coastal Trust Fund Act.

Rep. Laura Gillen

A Democratic Congresswoman from New York who co-introduced the Coastal Trust Fund Act.

American Coastal Coalition

A coastal advocacy organization that strongly supports the Coastal Trust Fund Act.

American Shore and Beach Preservation Association

An organization that supports the bill, stating it will safeguard the environment and fuel economic growth by bolstering tourism, jobs, and local businesses.

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What they’re saying

“This is a big deal, not just for New Jersey, but for the whole country. The American coastal economy contributes to 46 percent of national GDP, but too often the government does not deliver coastal protection until after a disaster strikes.”

— Rep. Jeff Van Drew (patch.com)

“We must secure dedicated funding for projects that protect our waterfront communities and preserve our shoreline.”

— Rep. Laura Gillen (patch.com)

“The American Coastal Coalition strongly supports the Coastal Trust Fund Act, which will establish a dedicated revenue stream to support federal beach nourishment projects. Delays and shortages in federal funding for beaches have severe economic impacts for non-federal sponsors. This legislation fixes that.”

— Dan Ginolfi, Executive Director, American Coastal Coalition (patch.com)

“The bill not only safeguards our environment, but also fuels economic growth by indirectly bolstering tourism, jobs, and local businesses.”

— Nicole Elko, Executive Director, American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (patch.com)

What’s next

The Coastal Trust Fund Act will now proceed through the legislative process in Congress.

The takeaway

This bipartisan legislation aims to provide a permanent and reliable funding source for critical coastal infrastructure projects that protect waterfront communities and support the broader coastal economy, which accounts for nearly half of the nation's GDP. By tapping into existing offshore energy revenues, the bill seeks to establish a budget-neutral solution to address the chronic underfunding of beach nourishment and other storm risk management efforts.