Southern Ocean County Chamber supports efforts to increase Shore Protection Funding

SHIP BOTTOM, N.J. - Dec. 3, 2014 - PRLog -- For Southern Ocean County businesses, the beaches and bay fronts have provided more than a way of life. As a year round community, the stabilization of the beaches are vital to the future growth of our area in job creation as well.  The 2012 Tourism Impact Survey, commissioned by the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce shows $1.2 Billion in regional traveler expenses supporting over 20,000 jobs. Working with The Jersey Shore Partnership, the statewide advocate for beach protection funding who lobbied Legislators which resulted in an annual dedicated Shore Protection Fund; the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has sent a resolution in support of increasing protection funding.

This proactive approach not only preparing for future storms, but the impact beyond beaches to rivers, bays, inlets and streams that flood coastal neighborhoods is a necessity. By assisting the Jersey Shore Partnership campaign, which was launched to increase the Shore Protection Fund from $25 million to at least $50 million can also provide an incentive for a larger opportunity for New Jersey to receive additional federal matching dollars. Margot Walsh, Executive Director of the partnership adds "We are grateful to our shore communities from Middlesex to Atlantic County for their active support in seeking Legislative support for an increase in the $25 million Shore Protection Fund. Lessons learned from Sandy taught us that we must be pro-active in planning and preparing for future Sandy-like storms.   Increasing the Fund, along with an anticipated increase in the Federal government’s cost-sharing partnership with the State, will provide the financial resources to ensure the State’s long-standing commitment to preserve and protect our coastline".

For more information about the Jersey Shore Partnership go to http://jerseyshorepartnership.com/  Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, contact their visitor center at 265 West Ninth Street, Ship Bottom 609 494 7211 or online at www.visitlbiregion.com