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Mayors from New Jersey shore communities are pressing for federal funding to repair and protect beaches damaged by recent storms. Congressman Jeff Van Drew is advocating for a state of emergency declaration to unlock federal assistance. He has sent a letter to both outgoing Governor Phil Murphy and Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, urging them to make this declaration to access federal resources. According to Van Drew, without this declaration, the state cannot formally request help from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The Jersey Shore has faced significant erosion and infrastructure damage due to storms, including Hurricanes Erin, Imelda, and Humberto, as well as several nor’easters. A survey by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection reported up to six feet of erosion in some areas. Despite this, Governor Murphy's office stated that the damage does not meet the financial thresholds for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration under the Stafford Act.
Van Drew insists that a state disaster declaration is necessary to initiate federal recovery efforts. He emphasized, "Every day we wait allows more erosion and delays the work that needs to begin." Murphy and Sherrill have yet to respond to Van Drew's request, and Sherrill is set to be sworn in as governor on January 20.