BRIGANTINE, N.J. — After a September nor’easter ripped away dunes along the Jersey Shore, local leaders are racing to restore sand barriers and protect homes from the next storm. The storm left visible gaps at the northern end of Brigantine’s promenade, exposing streets and residences to wave action.
Local officials outline emergency plan
City Manager Tiger Platt warned that the loss of sand has made the community “very vulnerable” and that “any other storms that come this time of year, we have nothing protecting us.” To address the gap, Brigantine is drafting a locally funded project that would place large jetty stones from the sea wall toward the remaining dune line, creating a more resilient barrier against wave impact.
State and federal assistance sought
On Friday, Governor Phil Sherrill’s administration announced an emergency request to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for assistance in restoring beaches and dunes in seven shoreline areas, including Brigantine, Atlantic City, Long Beach Island and Sea Isle City. The request asks the Corps to fund beach‑fill and dune‑rebuilding projects, but the agency has not yet set a timeline for any work.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection confirmed it submitted the request on Friday and is awaiting a response. Without a clear schedule, local officials say they must continue planning interim measures to protect residents.
Scientists warn of increasing storm frequency
Researchers at Stockton University’s Coastal Research Center have observed a rise in the number of storms hitting the coastline over the past decade. Principal Investigator Steven Hafner explained that while individual storms may not be more intense, the “repetitiveness” of back‑to‑back events reduces the beach’s natural ability to recover.
“The dunes become more vulnerable to direct wave impact during storm surge,” Hafner said. “We’re getting storm events occurring back to back, which reduces the ability for the beach to recover naturally.”
Neighboring towns echo concerns
In North Wildwood, the mayor told Action News that without an emergency beach‑fill project, remaining dunes could be breached by additional storms this fall and winter. Residents across the shore are voicing similar worries, urging both state and federal agencies to act quickly.
What comes next?
While Brigantine awaits federal funding, the city is moving forward with its own sand‑replenishment plan, seeking to use locally sourced jetty stone to reinforce the dune line. The effort reflects a broader trend of shore communities taking proactive steps to protect property and preserve the coastal environment.
Officials stress that any successful solution will require coordination among municipal leaders, state agencies, and the Army Corps of Engineers. In the meantime, residents are advised to stay informed about weather alerts and to support local initiatives aimed at rebuilding the natural barriers that have long shielded the Jersey Shore.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
