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The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday approved the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), legislation to improve the nation’s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other aspects of the nation’s water resources infrastructure.
Congressman Van Drew celebrated the successful passage of the WRDA with the inclusion of the New Jersey Shore Hot Spot Erosion Mitigation Study which will imminently become law.
This measure will protect South Jersey’s coastlines by authorizing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop and implement projects to mitigate one of the biggest threats to the shorelines: erosion.
“ The Hot Spot Erosion Mitigation Study is a promise to safeguard our coastal way of life and the natural beauty that defines our beloved South Jersey ,” said Congressman Van Drew . “ We must take a novel approach to protect our coastline from the harmful effects of coastal erosion. This new program gives the U.S. Army Corps the tools they need to implement innovations to address this challenge .”
“ Hot spot erosion isn’t just about losing sand—it’s about losing the first line of defense for New Jersey families and businesses against storms and flooding ,” said Congressman Frank Pallone . “ The Jersey Shore generates over $50 billion in annual economic activity and supports tens of thousands of jobs. This study will help pinpoint problem areas and develop solutions to protect our coastline, preserve our economy, and ensure the safety of our coastal communities .”
In order to mitigate the erosion, projects like the construction of seawalls, living shorelines, and beach renourishment efforts will have to be implemented in New Jersey.