ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Hurricane Erin never made landfall, but she still made a mess at the Jersey Shore and officials there are asking for federal help to replenish damaged beaches.
The ocean took big bites out of the beach and left some areas of the Shore in need of repair. In Atlantic City, there is a massive chunk of sand missing from the beach’s north end where the Army Corps of Engineers did work last winter.
Now, officials from Atlantic City and mayors from several shore towns are asking Rep. Jeff Van Drew for federal assistance.
Atlantic City Emergency Management Coordinator Scott Evans said beach erosion is an ongoing challenge.
“We just had the renourishment, so yes it took a chunk away from us,” he said. “We’re hoping that it could level out.”
Beyond Atlantic City, Wildwood Crest and Ocean City are also in need of assistance after the erosion caused by Hurricane Erin. Evans said for Atlantic City and the other shore towns that protection against erosion is about more than just safety.
“It’s jobs and it’s revenue and it’s income,” he said. “I would hope that our Congressman and other legislative bodies look at this real seriously.”
Van Drew said one of his top priorities is always to protect shore communities and that he’s already contacted federal agencies about offering support.