In Avalon, the damage is especially stark at 13th Street, where the beach abruptly gives way to exposed rocks. Officials there say the beach and dune system were eroded after a harsh winter filled with storms.
"Storms in August and October of '25 and the blizzard took away half the dune system and the entire beach," said Scott Wahl, Avalon's business administrator.
Avalon officials said they had already planned to begin a back-passing operation next week, a process in which local crews move sand to rebuild dunes and beach paths ahead of the summer tourist season.
Then came the announcement yesterday from Congressman Jeff Van Drew, who said funding had been secured through the Army Corps of Engineers for beach replenishment projects.
The projects are slated for Ocean City, Strathmere, Sea Isle City, Avalon and Stone Harbor.
"It was Christmas in April for Avalon. The news is so welcome," Wahl said.
The announcement follows a February tour of severely eroded Jersey Shore locations by Van Drew and the assistant secretary of the Army Corps of Engineers. That tour came after federal funding for beach renourishment projects was slashed last year.
The effects of erosion have already prompted action in some towns. Just last month, Upper Township tore down the beach patrol headquarters building in Strathmere, saying the structure had become a hazard after the sand beneath it washed away.
In Ocean City, municipal crews have been moving sand to buy time, particularly north of the Music Pier, an area officials say is most in need of a hydraulic beach fill.
"The north ends of all the islands - they're always the hardest hit, in all the barrier islands," Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian said. "They're going to start here and work their way down. We can't wait."
Municipal officials from impacted towns said they are awaiting more details from the Army Corps of Engineers, including a timeline for the start of the projects.
While no schedule has been provided, officials said any replenishment, even if it begins in the middle of summer, would be welcome.