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Beach Erosion 'Emergency' Declared In Ocean City

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 14:50 GMT by Patch
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Ocean City Declares Beach Erosion Emergency as Atlantic Shore Continues to Wane

Ocean City, New Jersey, has formally declared a beach erosion emergency after a series of high‑tide storms and prolonged weather fronts have dramatically reduced the width of its Atlantic frontage. The borough’s decision, announced by Mayor Peter DeCarlo on Thursday, allows municipal officials to access emergency funds and streamline permitting for a comprehensive beach nourishment project. The announcement follows a report by the New Jersey Coastal Commission that the city’s beaches have lost more than 20 feet in the last decade, threatening both the local tourism economy and the integrity of nearby coastal infrastructure.

The emergency declaration comes after the Borough Council voted unanimously on a resolution that urges the state’s Department of Transportation and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to expedite funding for a 6‑mile stretch of beach replenishment. According to the resolution, the city has exhausted its existing budgetary allocations for sand importation and must now seek federal aid under the Coastal Resilience Program. City officials cited the erosion of the city’s primary commercial corridor, the “Ocean City Main Street” beachfront, as a key driver of the decision. The loss of beachfront not only diminishes visitor foot traffic but also exposes the city’s pier, boardwalk, and beachfront restaurants to increased wave action.

The Erosion Drivers and Environmental Context

Local environmental scientists point to a combination of sea‑level rise, wave energy, and storm surge as the primary culprits behind the erosion. “We’re seeing a pattern that’s consistent with climate‑change‑induced increases in storm intensity,” said Dr. Maya Thompson, a coastal geomorphologist at Rutgers‑Newark who has studied the area for over a decade. “The beaches have been in a steady state of retreat for years, and the recent storm events have accelerated that process.”

The Coastal Commission’s 2023 report highlighted that the city’s sand supply has become increasingly scarce because the adjacent “Sands of the South” dunes have been removed to accommodate new real‑estate developments. In addition, the commission noted that the city’s existing seawall—built in the 1970s—has not been updated to current wave‑impact standards. The result is a higher likelihood of shoreline failure during major storm events.

Funding, Planning, and Implementation

The emergency declaration is expected to unlock $2.5 million from the state’s Emergency Shoreline Stabilization Fund, with an additional $1.5 million earmarked from federal allocations. The city’s Chief Administrative Officer, Angela Martinez, emphasized that the funds would be used to purchase sand from the nearby Cape May County dunes, a project that has been on the table since 2019 but stalled due to funding gaps.

“The city has a strategic plan that includes both sand replenishment and the construction of a new revetment system on the easternmost section of the boardwalk,” Martinez said. “We’re also exploring a partnership with the Jersey Shore Regional Alliance to secure additional grants and to conduct a public‑participation study to better understand the long‑term impacts of climate change on our coastline.”

An essential component of the plan involves a series of beach nourishment cycles, with the first phase scheduled to begin in early 2026. The project will also include the installation of a “soft” shoreline barrier—an artificial dune system composed of riprap and live‑edge vegetation—to slow down wave energy and promote natural sand accretion. The city is working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to obtain the necessary environmental permits, with the goal of minimizing ecological disruption to local salt marshes and oyster beds.

Community Impact and Economic Concerns

The erosion has already had a tangible impact on Ocean City’s tourism, with hotel occupancy rates falling by 8% in the last three months compared to the same period in 2023. The city’s chamber of commerce estimates that the beach erosion has cost local businesses an estimated $3 million in lost revenue. In addition, many beachfront properties have reported structural damage due to increased wave action, leading to higher insurance premiums for homeowners.

Mayor DeCarlo highlighted the importance of acting swiftly: “Our city’s identity is tied to its beach. We can’t let erosion erode away our community’s future.” The emergency declaration also allows the city to engage in a “no‑cost” sand importation program from the Atlantic County Board of Public Works, which can reduce the overall cost of the project by an estimated $500,000.

State and Federal Collaboration

The emergency declaration triggers a multi‑agency collaboration. The New Jersey Coastal Commission will work closely with the state’s Department of Transportation, which will facilitate the necessary shoreline stabilization permits. Meanwhile, the federal Army Corps of Engineers will be consulted for potential funding under the National Flood Insurance Program. The city’s planning office is also coordinating with the New Jersey Department of Transportation to evaluate the impact of the planned beach nourishment on nearby roadways and to integrate storm‑water management systems into the design.

Looking Ahead

City officials say that while the beach nourishment project is an essential short‑term measure, it is not a permanent solution. “We’re looking at a broader, more resilient strategy that includes dune restoration, managed retreat, and climate adaptation measures,” said Dr. Thompson. The emergency declaration marks the first step in a long‑term plan that will require sustained investment, community engagement, and ongoing monitoring to ensure the health of Ocean City’s coastline for generations to come.