$7B plan could save Jersey Shore from flooding. But none of that would pay people to leave. [View all]

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working now on an extensive $7.6 billion plan to bolster Jersey’s back bays throughout nearly 3,400 miles of shoreline across 89 towns.

The help will be needed, considering how much New Jersey has continued to develop in some of the most at-risk areas — and how much scientists project climate change will exacerbate sea level rise and translate to stronger storms.

A 378-page report outlining the latest Back Bays assessment and plan was released in December and is under review now.

Federal planners, through a push from Congressional funds like they rely on for beach replenishments, would accomplish more back bay protections by elevating over 6,000 homes and reinforcing police and fire stations, as well as other vital infrastructure such as hospitals and nursing homes, the agency said.

https://www.nj.com/atlantic/2025/02/7b-plan-could-save-jersey-shores-from-flooding-but-none-of-that-would-pay-people-to-leave.html

A 2021 plan proposed elevating almost 19,000 homes and using flood gates and internal waterway barriers. The latest proposal reduces the number of elevations and includes restoration of salt marshes to soak up floodwaters.

Ross Kushner of the NJ Coastal Alliance says the plan should focus on managed retreat, buying up homes along the shore and converting them into open space. But this, he said, is politically unpopular.