Reconvene Beach Erosion Commission while there’s time, says Assemblyman

Beach erosion and dune depletion in the aftermath of the weekend nor'easter triggers a call from a South Jersey Assemblyman to reconvene a commission that hasn't met in over a decade.

Cape May Republican Sam Fiocchi (R-1) contends that the state's Beach Erosion Commission has an urgent mission to "investigate and study the protection and preservation of the beaches and shore front of the state from erosion and other damage from the elements," according to statements he released today.

After inspecting the shorefront in Cape May, Fiocchi pointed to the urgency of keeping businesses, homes and lives on the shore intact. "We were fortunate [Hurricane Joaquin] missed us, but as I saw today, our dunes have been eroded and our beaches are susceptible as we approach the winter season when nor'easters most commonly occur."

Fiocchi volunteered to take a seat on the panel, which in 2001 included then-Monmouth Senators John Bennett and Joseph Palaia. In previous years, shore representation included state Senator Joseph Kyrillos (R-13) and former Senator Andy Ciesla and Assemblyman Dave Wolfe (R-10).

Fiocchi, who also represents Atlantic and Cumberland Counties, co-sponsors an Assembly bill that would double the state contribution to New Jersey's Shore Protection Fund to $50 million - legislation long championed by Margo Walsh, Executive Director of the Red Bank-based Jersey Shore Partnership.