CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – The County of Cape May passed a resolution supporting an increase in State funding for the “Shore Protection Fund,” from $25 million to $50 million. There is a bill in the Assembly and Senate that would increase that allotment.
The Shore Protection Fund provides important funding that allows the State and Municipalities to engage in cost-share partnerships with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on shore protection projects including beach restoration and maintenance.
“We have to support our communities and provide the necessary resources to protect themselves,” said Freeholder Jeffrey Pierson of Upper Township. “We have families that live in beach-front communities up and down the coasts, along with thousands of businesses. The State should do more to help them.”
The Shore Protection Fund is funded by the State Realty Transfer Fee, and it is currently capped at $25 million, an amount that has not been adjusted since 1999. The pending bills A-639 and S-1071, would increase the cap on funding for the Shore Protection Fund to $50 million.
The Resolution passed by the Board of Chosen Freeholders notes the devastating effects of Superstorm Sandy has made it clear that the current funding formula is not adequate to allow the State and towns to fund recovery projects.