NORTH WILDWOOD ─ In what Mayor Patrick Rosenello calls a federal “over-reach at its best,” the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks Congressional approval to expand the Coastal Barrier Resource System (CBRS).
Enacted in 1982, the CBRS protects natural reefs along the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Nine states, affected by Hurricane Sandy (2012), have come under review to be included in the expansion.
The CBRS maps have recently been updated, according to a letter from Assistant Director Gary Frazer, and will be presented to Congress for approval.
Rosenello explained to the Herald April 20 that the issue lies with the seawall if Congress approves the updated maps. Hereford Inlet is included in the maps and, according to the updates, so is a large portion of what is the seawall, approximately 60 feet.
According to Rosenello, the CBRS “prohibits any federal money being used to do any work in a CBRS.”
For instance, no federal money could be used to extract sand from Hereford Inlet to be used as replenishment in Avalon, Stone Harbor, or North Wildwood.
In addition, if it gets the expanded area being sought, the Army Corps of Engineers will no longer be able to maintain the seawall in North Wildwood.
Further implications could include interference with dredging projects and seawall projects.
According to Rosenello, Army Corps is “fighting Fish and Wildlife” on the issue. Rosenello will travel to Washington May 10 to meet with federal representatives, including U.S Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd). The mayors of Stone Harbor and Avalon are to accompany Rosenello to speak with representatives and a lobbyist.
Rosenello defined the matter as a “big issue.”
In a letter to City Administrator Kevin Yecco, Frazer wrote, “We (Fish and Wildlife Service) invite you to review the proposed boundaries and provide input to the service during the 120-day public comment.” The deadline for comment is July 10.
What was designed to protect natural resources could strike a blow to the city’s beach replenishment and the maintenance of its seawall, a defense against storm surge and flooding.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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