AVALON – The New Jersey Coastal Coalition has released a comprehensive report highlighting specific flood risks in 13 select communities associated with the Coalition. The report, a joint investigative project involving the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, aims to provide crucial information for communities to apply for grant funding and enhance their resilience efforts.
A copy of the report is available here
The report, unveiled during a press conference on Tuesday, June 27, in Avalon, highlights precise locations where flood risks exist, assisting communities in prioritizing their resiliency strategies. The USACE and NJDEP partnered with the NJCC for this study, funded by the Planning Assistance to States Section 22 Program.
Tom Quirk, Executive Director of the Coastal Coalition, emphasizes the importance of the report: “This evaluation report is a critical resource for our communities aiming to target flood vulnerabilities and safeguard lives and property. We requested the Corps’ involvement in 2019 to study 13 communities, and the results are compelling, informative, and actionable, allowing us to better protect our towns.”
The report examines flood risks in the following communities: Egg Harbor Township, Ocean City, Upper Township, Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, North Wildwood, West Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Cape May City, Cape May Point, Downe Township, and Woodbridge Township. These areas experience periodic flooding due to high-frequency storm events and tidal fluctuations. The report presents conceptualized preliminary solutions to enhance community protection.
Cape May County Emergency Management Director Martin Pagliughi, also the Mayor of Avalon, highlights the report’s significance for grant applications: “Communities seeking grant opportunities to address flood risks will find this report invaluable. It will serve as a key to unlock funding opportunities for communities dedicated to flood resiliency.” Avalon currently holds the distinction of being the only community in New Jersey with a Class 3 rating in FEMA’s CRS program, resulting in 35 percent discounts on flood insurance policies for property owners.
The report offers detailed information, including graphical representations, on anticipated sea-level rise and its impact on coastal communities by 2030 and 2080. It also outlines evacuation routes, environmentally sensitive areas, essential services, and storm communication methods.
The New Jersey Coastal Coalition is a non-profit organization comprising 38 floodplain communities in New Jersey. Since its formation in response to Superstorm Sandy in 2012, the NJCC has met regularly to address common municipal flooding issues. Monthly workshops are held at various participant facilities, facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The New Jersey Coastal Coalition is a 501c3 charitable trust organization incorporated in the State of New Jersey and has worked since 2013 on flood mitigation and the challenges faced by Jersey Shore communities on tidal, rainwater and coastal flooding.
The New Jersey Coastal Coalition also produces Tidal Flooding Talk, a talk show hosted by meteorologist Dan Skeldon and Palma Accardi weekly and streamed live on Facebook.
The New Jersey Coastal Coalition is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, incorporated in New Jersey whose mission is to build more resilient communities at the Jersey shore by developing policies and practices that will anticipate future concerns and to create solutions to be shared by all participants.
Participating communities include Atlantic City, Avalon Borough, Brigantine Beach, Cape May City, Downe Township, Egg Harbor Township, Linwood, Longport Borough, Margate City, Ventnor City, Upper Township, Stone Harbor, Somers Point, Sea Isle City, Pleasantville, Ocean City, West Wildwood, Cape May Point and North Wildwood.