Pallone, Van Drew Secure Hot Spot Erosion Study for NJ Shoreline in Bipartisan National Water Infrastructure Bill

Washington, D.C. - Congressmen Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) today announced the inclusion of their New Jersey Shore Hot Spot Erosion Mitigation Study in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA). This study will address hot spot erosion-localized areas of accelerated sediment loss that leave beaches, dunes, and nearby properties dangerously exposed to storm surges and flooding. Hot spot erosion occurs when geography and currents collide to focus wave action and energy on a narrow part of a beach.

The inclusion of this study builds on a March 1, 2024, letter authored by Pallone and Van Drew to the Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, which called for urgent action to address the impacts of hot spot erosion along the Jersey Shore. The study directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to identify the most erosion-prone areas, assess their impact on existing federal shore protection projects, and propose tailored solutions to ensure the long-term effectiveness of these investments.

"Hot spot erosion isn't just about losing sand-it's about losing the first line of defense for New Jersey families and businesses against storms and flooding," said Congressman Pallone (NJ-06), the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. "The Jersey Shore generates over $50 billion in annual economic activity and supports tens of thousands of jobs. This study will help pinpoint problem areas and develop solutions to protect our coastline, preserve our economy, and ensure the safety of our coastal communities."

"The Hot Spot Erosion Mitigation Study is a promise to safeguard our coastal way of life and the natural beauty that defines our beloved South Jersey," said Congressman Van Drew (NJ-02). "We must take a novel approach to protect our coastline from the harmful effects of coastal erosion. This new program gives the U.S. Army Corps the tools they need to implement innovations to address this challenge. As this bill becomes law, I am committed to executing its implementation and continuing my efforts to secure a stronger future for both South Jersey and the entire country."

The New Jersey Shore Hot Spot Erosion Mitigation Study will analyze specific areas of rapid sediment loss, evaluate the impact on federally funded shore protection projects, and recommend solutions. These may include the construction of physical structures such as seawalls, groins, or breakwaters, or adjustments to renourishment schedules to address the unique challenges posed by erosion hot spots.

The study aims to protect more than 100 miles of New Jersey's coastline, which supports $100 billion in property and tens of thousands of jobs. Hot spot erosion has increasingly undermined federal investments in shore protection projects, making targeted solutions critical to maintaining the state's resilience against severe weather and sea-level rise.

WRDA, passed every two years, authorizes essential water infrastructure projects nationwide.