South Jersey Shore Towns Receive $99M for Beach Replenishment

Funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will support projects in Ocean City, Strathmere, Sea Isle City, Avalon and Stone Harbor.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:51pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a serene, fog-shrouded beach with only the faint outline of dunes and grasses visible, conveying the mood of a weather-worn coastal environment.Federal funding will help fortify South Jersey's vulnerable coastlines, providing greater protection and stability for local communities.Salem Today

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is providing $99 million in federal funding for beach replenishment and protection projects across several South Jersey shore towns, including Ocean City, Strathmere, Sea Isle City, Avalon, and Stone Harbor. Congressman Jeff Van Drew announced the major investment, which he said is the largest in New Jersey beach projects in a year without a hurricane.

Why it matters

Coastal communities in New Jersey are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and more frequent and intense storms. This federal funding will help strengthen the region's beaches, dunes, and other protective infrastructure to safeguard lives, property, and the local tourism economy.

The details

The $99 million in funding will support beach replenishment and protection projects in the targeted shore towns. In Ocean City, the funding will lead to a full hydraulic renourishment of the city's north-end and downtown beaches, building on the 11 previous replenishment projects completed under a 50-year agreement. Congressman Van Drew also announced additional dredging investments across South Jersey, including more than $5 million for projects on the Salem River, Maurice River, Cold Spring Inlet, and the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway.

  • The funding announcement was made on April 7, 2026.
  • Ocean City has a 50-year agreement for north-end beach replenishment projects that began in the early 1990s.
  • Ocean City later secured a separate 50-year agreement for south-end beach projects.

The players

Congressman Jeff Van Drew

A U.S. Representative who represents New Jersey's 2nd congressional district and announced the $99 million in federal funding for beach replenishment projects.

Jay Gillian

The mayor of Ocean City, New Jersey, who said the funding is the 'first and most important step' in a process to fully renourish the city's north-end and downtown beaches.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The federal agency providing the $99 million in funding for the beach replenishment and protection projects across South Jersey.

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What they’re saying

“I have been working closely with the Army Corps to make sure South Jersey is a priority, and today we are seeing that pay off in a massive way.”

— Congressman Jeff Van Drew

“This announcement delivers $99 million for beach replenishment across Ocean City, Strathmere, Sea Isle City, Avalon, and Stone Harbor.”

— Congressman Jeff Van Drew

“This will be the 11th replenishment project for Ocean City's north end since a 50-year agreement was signed in the early 1990s.”

— Mayor Jay Gillian, Mayor of Ocean City

What’s next

Congressman Van Drew said he is also seeking an additional $70 million through the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process for beach projects in Long Beach Island and Atlantic City, along with funding tied to erosion mitigation structures and a seawall extension in North Brigantine.

The takeaway

This major federal investment in South Jersey's coastal communities underscores the growing need to strengthen beach infrastructure and protective measures in the face of climate change and rising sea levels. The funding will help safeguard lives, property, and the local tourism economy in these vulnerable shore towns.