A $99 million federal funding package for Army Corps of Engineers beach projects in Cape May County, including Ocean City, Strathmere, Sea Isle City, Avalon, and Stone Harbor, signals a major investment in South Jersey shoreline protection.

Funding will cover replenishment and more than $5 million in dredging to support projects on the Salem River, Maurice River, Cold Spring Inlet, and the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway, with continued deepening work on the Salem and Maurice rivers.

Ocean City officials view the funding as a critical first step toward full replenishment of eroded north-end and downtown beaches, with ongoing sand stockpiling planned as projects progress.

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Local authorities say replenishment will begin as soon as feasible to protect the upcoming tourism season and coastal infrastructure, while awaiting official schedules.

Strathmere residents and Upper Township officials worry erosion could threaten homes and infrastructure, with calls for sand restoration to meet engineered design standards.

No immediate construction timetable was announced; responses from mayors were not returned, but the announcement includes quotes from Van Drew and local officials and references prior erosion- and restoration-related events.

Erosion has left areas like 11th Street in Avalon with cliffs up to about 20 feet, closed beach access, and vulnerable coastal homes and businesses, fueling economic concerns for the shore.

Avalon reports severe dune and beach loss at 13th Street from storms in 2025, with plans to begin back-passing sand ahead of summer.

DownbeachBUZZ provides local news coverage for Ventnor, Margate, and Longport, NJ.

The announcement underscores ongoing collaboration among local towns, state agencies (NJDEP), and the Army Corps to safeguard beaches and dunes amid concerns about dwindling federal support for coastal protection.

Strathmere’s beach patrol HQ was demolished due to sand loss beneath it, illustrating ongoing erosion challenges in multiple Jersey Shore locations.