Senator Joe Kyrillos

October 3, 2008   

Contact: Bill Murray / (609) 292-5199
Senator Joe Kyrillos

New Jersey Shore Protection Master Plan Hasn’t Been Updated Since 1981

Senator Joe Kyrillos, the Senior Republican Member of the Senate Economic Growth Committee, introduced legislation yesterday that will require the Department of Environmental Protection to update the New Jersey Shore Protection Master Plan. The current plan has been in effect since 1981. New Jersey has 127 miles of coastline and the state’s tourism industry generates more that $38 billion in economic activity and more than $ 2 billion in revenue for the state treasury.

“It is vital that we reform the Shore Protection Master Plan,” Kyrillos stated. “We must provide for economic expansion, while continuing to protect this state’s greatest economic asset for future generations.”

The new bill would require DEP to list all of the shore protection projects undertaken in the state; list all current and ongoing shore protection projects, list all planned and requested projects determine the fiscal impact of the $9 million diversion from the Shore protection fund and to list all projects not undertaken as a result of the diversion. The measure would also require DEP to establish a priority ranking system for shore protection projects and to release the eligibility requirements for receiving federal shore protection and disaster aid.

“The importance of the New Jersey Shore to our tourism industry cannot be overstated. The state must continually update efforts to protect and preserve the Shore and its dependant industries,” Kyrillos concluded.

The bill would take effect within six months of enactment.

New Jersey Shore Protection Master Plan Hasn’t Been Updated Since 1981 Senator Joe Kyrillos, the Senior Republican Member of the Senate Economic Growth Committee, introduced legislation yesterday that will require the Department of Environmental Protection to update the New Jersey Shore Protection Master Plan. The [...]