South Jersey shore towns have long struggled with beach erosion, often fighting for funding after storm damage has already taken its toll. The newly introduced H.R. 7459, known as the Coastal Trust Fund Act, aims to flip that approach by creating a $1 billion annual federal trust fund dedicated entirely to coastal storm risk management. Communities across Cape May County, including Wildwood, North Wildwood, Cape May, Sea Isle City, Avalon, and Stone Harbor, could benefit directly from more reliable and consistent beach protection cycles.
- The Coastal Trust Fund Act would deposit $1 billion per year into a permanent federal fund covering beach nourishment, dune construction, shoreline stabilization, and storm damage reduction infrastructure
- Funding would come from existing offshore energy lease revenues, meaning no new taxes or fees would be imposed on residents or local governments
- Cape May County towns that rely on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects would see fewer delays, more predictable nourishment schedules, and better coordination across federal, state, and local levels
- The bill has been introduced and referred to committee, meaning it still must clear the full House and Senate before becoming law
If passed, this legislation would mark one of the most significant federal commitments to coastal infrastructure in decades, shifting the focus from emergency response to long-term prevention. For South Jersey shore communities, the stakes could not be higher.
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By: Wildwood Video Archive | Wildwood Video Archive | February 13, 2026
