Legislation drafted by Cape May County Assemblyman Matthew Milam that would create new Beach Task Force in the state of New Jersey was approved by the New Jersey Assembly.
“Our beaches are the lifeblood of coastal communities up and down the state,” said Milam. “With their significance to our economy and our environment, we should not have to guess at the overall health of our beaches.”
Milam’s bill (A-2306) would establish a “State Beach Task Force” to investigate the current status of New Jersey’s beaches. The task force would consist of 13 members drawn from government, academia, environmental groups and coastal residents.
The task force would study beach erosion and replenishment issues, the impact of beaches on state and local economies, the availability of shore protection and preservation technologies and funding. It also would investigate the steps other states and countries are taking to address beach erosion issues.
Within a year of its formation, the task force would be required to issue a report to the governor and the Legislature on its findings.
