The “Five Mile Island” project, estimated to cost around $54 million, is aimed at protecting the coasts of Jersey Shore towns that have been severely hit beach erosion, including Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and Lower Township, which haven’t had a federal replenishment since Superstorm Sandy.
The project, already subject to delay, is now at risk of cancellation because the mayors of the towns can’t seem to agree on how the massive project should be carried out. Concerns include whether the famously wide beaches would shrink, homeowners’ beach access and potential obstruction of their beach views, and whether taxpayers would eventually have to foot the bill for future replenishment.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette sent a reportedly sternly worded letter to the officials telling them the plan is in “serious jeopardy” unless they commit to the full extent of the project by March 18. The work, led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with help from the state, is slated to start in 2026, contingent on the towns agreeing to the design.
