LoBiondo ‘Astonished’ Bush Budget Has Zero Funding for Beaches

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo (R-2nd) on Feb. 7 admonished the President’s proposed Fiscal Year 2009 budget for again failing to include funding for beach renourishment projects in South Jersey. During a hearing of the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, LoBiondo pressed representatives from the Administration for their logic in recommending no federal resources for the projects.
“I continue to be absolutely astonished by the Office of Management & Budget (OMB) directive to zero out funding for projects to renourish our beaches and protect our seaside properties, businesses and economy along our shores. It is just totally unbelievable and I am outraged,” stated LoBiondo during that hearing, according to a release.
“In light of the lessons learned from recent hurricanes, I would think the OMB would do the relatively simple math and realize they are saving taxpayers money by spending a few million now to restore eroded beaches and dunes, rather than spending billions after a hurricane to rebuild our coastal cities,” he stated.
During the hearing, LoBiondo argued that beach renourishment projects serve as the first line of defense against the destructive force of hurricanes and other ocean storms, protecting residents, their property and businesses located along the nation’s coastlines.
Annual budgets proposed under both the Bush and Clinton Administrations have not included funding for beach renourishment projects. However, Congress has continued to appropriate federal dollars to these projects.
LoBiondo has led the charge in securing nearly $171 million in beach replenishment funding for South Jersey since being elected into office, and organized the defeat of a proposed formula change that would have mandated local municipalities to pay 65 percent of the costs associated with these projects rather than the current 35 percent share. The federal government pays the remaining portion.
“It cannot be overstated: our beaches are critically important in creating local jobs and growing the regional economy. New Jersey’s 130 miles of coastline and beaches are the foundation for the state’s $20 billion tourism industry. It is imperative that our state receives its fair share of federal funding to promote healthy beaches and protect those who visit them,” concluded LoBiondo.
LoBiondo is the only member of the New Jersey delegation to sit on the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.