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New Jersey Assembly Unanimously Passes Bill Requiring Public Hearing Before Beachfills
January 8, 2008
PRESS RELEASE
By a vote of 80 to 0, the NJ Assembly unanimously passed a bill that would require a public hearing before any beach replenishment project goes forward. The bill, which passed the full Senate already, now moves to the Governor's desk for signature.
"The public will now have a chance to express their concerns over these large, expensive, and sometimes questionable projects," said Stephanie Rinaldi, Surfrider Foundation, Jersey Shore Chapter Chair. "This will bring some accountability and scrutiny to these expensive, publicly funded projects that haven't turned out to be everything the Army Corps has said."
Bills were introduced in the Senate and Assembly after Long Beach Island oceanfront owners complained loudly regarding their treatment as a project moved forward on that barrier island. Senate Environment Committee Chair Bob Smith, D-Middlesex, recognized the inherent unfairness of the current system and sponsored a bill to allow public input. The Township of Brick passed a resolution in support of the bill in November.
"Public input is critical to determine local concerns about these projects," said Dave Storch, a Surfrider Foundation activist from Brick. "And if it is determined that we absolutely need one of these projects, a public hearing will help us get the best possible project and avoid known problems."
Controversy and fallout continues in NJ regarding beachfills. The State is appealing a court decision where the state lost a lawsuit against five beachfront homeowners unwilling to sign construction easements. The NJ DEP just adopted controversial rules tying beach access, parking, and bathrooms to beach replenishment funds, although they propse amendments making it easier for small replenishments to happen.
To learn more about public hearings before beachfills watch this four-minute minute video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYqA5kHnT-I
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world's oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide. For more information on the Surfrider Foundation, go to www.surfrider.org
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