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The Ocean City City Council is expected to declare a local emergency tonight (October 23) due to severe beach erosion caused by a recent nor'easter. The storm, which hit the South Jersey shore in mid-October, resulted in significant sand loss, particularly between First and 13th Streets, leaving the area vulnerable as winter approaches. The erosion has prompted city officials to seek financial aid from county, state, and federal authorities.
According to a report by The Daily Journal, Ocean City experienced "substantial erosion" along its downtown beaches, with more than five feet of vertical sand loss in some areas. The city's spokesperson, Doug Bergen, noted that this section of the beach is particularly prone to erosion due to its geographical position.
The nor'easter led to a state of emergency in New Jersey, significant erosion was observed in Ocean City and other areas like Atlantic City and North Wildwood. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's preliminary report highlighted heavy erosion between First and 11th Streets in Ocean City.
The city's plans for beach replenishment have been complicated by a lack of federal funding, which has not occurred since the early 1990s. As reported by The Daily Journal, Ocean City was set to receive assistance from an Army Corps of Engineers project, but the necessary funds were not approved. City officials are now exploring alternative solutions, such as trucking in sand, to mitigate the damage until further replenishment funds can be secured.