CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — The Cape May County Board of Commissioners introduced a bond ordinance providing a $4.3 million contribution toward the Cape May seawall project.
The ordinance authorizes $4,095,238 in bonds or notes to finance part of the costs. The action was taken at the June 9 meeting of the board. A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for June 23.
This major county contribution supports the city of Cape May’s long-standing efforts to strengthen its coastal defenses along Beach Avenue. The project involves elevating and extending the existing seawall and promenade to address vulnerabilities exposed by major storms and ongoing coastal erosion.
The Cape May seawall, originally constructed following the destructive Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962, consists of large rocks with concrete grouting and has served as a primary line of defense for the city’s oceanfront.
The project gained significant momentum with federal support. In early 2026, U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew announced authorization of the Cape May City Seawall Flood Mitigation Project, backed by a major $24.3 million FEMA award. This builds on post-Superstorm Sandy assessments and addresses risks heightened by subsequent nor’easters and storms.
Current plans include extending the seawall and promenade from east of Madison Avenue to Wilmington Avenue. Construction timelines anticipate advancing in late 2026, pending permitting and approvals.
According to a news release, Cape May County has long been a leader in protecting its beaches, coastline and communities from erosion and storm effects. For decades, the county has partnered with local municipalities, the state of New Jersey and federal agencies such as the USACE and FEMA on beach replenishment, dune restoration and infrastructure projects.
These efforts are intended to safeguard lives, property, tourism-driven economies, commercial fishing and vital ecosystems supporting migratory shorebirds.
The Board of Commissioners noted Van Drew’s steadfast advocacy on coastal issues. The congressman’s Coastal Trust Fund Act aims to provide dedicated, stable federal resources for shore protection, recognizing that beach replenishment and resiliency projects are essential and must be ongoing for beach communities such as those in Cape May County.
“Cape May County is proud to partner with Cape May city on this vital seawall project, which will protect homes, businesses and our shared coastline for generations to come,” Board of Commissioners Director Leonard C. Desiderio said. “Our county remains well-focused on our longstanding efforts to support coastal resiliency by working hand in hand with local, state and federal partners. This investment underscores our commitment to safeguarding the beautiful beaches that define our communities and tourism-driven economy while ensuring our shoreline remains resilient for future generations.”
Recent federal investments and support include nearly $99 million for beach replenishment projects across the county and demonstrate a strong federal-state-local partnership that enhances coastal resilience against sea-level changes and extreme weather.
