‘Shore Protection Fund’ clears Senate

Coastal municipalities in New Jersey would get more help from the state for projects protecting the beaches and property from storm damage under legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and cleared yesterday by the New Jersey Senate.

Kean’s bill, S-1071, increases from $25 million to $50 million the amount that is annually credited to the “Shore Protection Fund” from the collection of realty transfer fees (RTFs).

“This is an investment in the Jersey Shore that serves as an anchor to the state’s vital tourism economy,” said Kean.

“Our boardwalks and coastal attractions are threatened by the growing severity of storms that erode the protective sand dunes. The additional funding will help with beach replenishment, and the construction of bulkheads, jetties and seawalls that provide our best defense against rising tides and storm-driven waves.”

The “Shore Protection Fund” helps counties and municipalities finance projects aimed at protecting public and private property and infrastructure from coastal storm damage, erosion and shoreline migration, and sea-level rise.