Feds Plan Fast-Track Repairs for Battered Jersey Shore Beaches Ahead of Summer

U.S. Army Corps to provide 'tens of millions' for emergency beach nourishment projects in Cape May County

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to provide significant funding for rapid emergency repairs to several heavily eroded beaches along the Jersey Shore before the summer tourist season begins. U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew and Assistant Secretary of the Army Adam Telle announced plans to prioritize beach nourishment projects in areas like Ocean City, Upper Township's Strathmere section, and Sea Isle City that were damaged by recent coastal storms.

Why it matters

With millions of beachgoers expected to visit the Jersey Shore this summer, the federal government is rushing to restore the beaches to protect public safety and the local tourism economy. This emergency funding comes after several shore towns had to cancel planned beach replenishment projects last year due to budget cuts under the previous administration.

The details

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to provide 'tens of millions of dollars' for the rapid emergency beach repair projects, which will likely begin within the next month or two. The repairs will focus on the areas with the worst erosion, such as the Strathmere section of Upper Township, which saw significant sand and dune loss after recent storms. Officials say the emergency work will not require new legislation to be passed by Congress.

  • In August 2025, Hurricane Erin caused strong waves that carved out gaps along the shoreline.
  • In October 2025, two more storms, including a nor'easter, further worsened the erosion.
  • On February 13, 2026, U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew and Assistant Secretary of the Army Adam Telle toured the damaged beaches and announced the emergency repair plans.

The players

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The federal agency responsible for overseeing and funding beach nourishment and coastal protection projects.

Jeff Van Drew

A U.S. Representative from New Jersey's 2nd congressional district who announced the emergency beach repair plans with the Army Corps.

Adam Telle

The Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army's Civil Works Division, who toured the damaged Jersey Shore beaches with Rep. Van Drew.

Curtis Corson

The mayor of Upper Township, New Jersey, who has been a vocal advocate for beach replenishment funding in the region.

Laura Gillen

A U.S. Representative from New York who is co-sponsoring legislation with Rep. Van Drew to create a permanent Coastal Trust Fund for beach repair projects.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to bring money into the district for beach nourishment, for these emergency areas, for the worst areas of erosion.”

— Jeff Van Drew, U.S. Representative (NJ.com)

“We're optimistic that we can have the resources made available within a matter of a month or two, and the actual work and mobilization begins shortly thereafter.”

— Adam Telle, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army (Civil Works) (NJ.com)

“I do think he understood where I was coming from, and I was very receptive.”

— Curtis Corson, Mayor of Upper Township (NJ.com)

What’s next

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to begin the emergency beach repair projects within the next one to two months, ahead of the summer tourist season.

The takeaway

This federal investment in rapid beach restoration along the Jersey Shore underscores the importance of coastal communities having reliable access to emergency funding for protecting their beaches and supporting the local tourism economy. The proposed Coastal Trust Fund legislation could help ensure a more sustainable, long-term solution for beach replenishment projects.