New Jersey's Jersey Shore faces major erosion project

A large beach protection project is planned for the Jersey Shore, covering North Wildwood, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and Lower Township. This $54 million project aims to address serious beach erosion and prepare the area for future storms. It has taken over ten years to reach this stage, but it is now facing heated debates and legal challenges. The project, known as the "Five Mile Island" initiative, intends to build a long dune along the coast. North Wildwood strongly supports the project due to significant erosion last year. Lower Township also agrees with the plan. However, officials from Wildwood and Wildwood Crest worry that the construction could shrink their beaches, impact local events, and hurt the economy. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) insists that the project is necessary due to increased storm activity caused by climate change. They are urging the towns involved to approve the project quickly to secure funding. A judge recently ruled that Wildwood Crest must pause any actions to withdraw from the project while litigation continues. The project is expected to provide about 2 million cubic yards of sand, funded mainly by federal and state money. While construction could begin in 2026, the timeline may change depending on the ongoing legal issues. The Army Corps of Engineers revealed that most of the sand needed for the project would come from borrow areas primarily located in Wildwood and Wildwood Crest. Wildwood Crest could see their beach width reduced by around 170 feet, while Wildwood's beach could shrink by about 233 feet. Despite concerns from some local residents about being left out of planning discussions, officials have stated they have engaged with the community throughout the process. The goal remains to protect the shoreline while allowing local beach activities to continue. The situation continues to develop as stakeholders await further court decisions.