Brigantine Calls on Governor to Issue State Disaster Declar

Brigantine, NJ – The City of Brigantine has formally passed a resolution urging New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to declare a State of Emergency and issue a state disaster declaration in response to ongoing and severe coastal erosion and storm damage impacting Brigantine and communities throughout the Jersey Shore.

The resolution was approved unanimously at Wednesday night’s Brigantine City Council meeting and follows two recent letters from Congressman Jeff Van Drew calling on the Governor to take executive action to unlock state and federal emergency assistance.

Earlier this month, the Governor’s office stated that there was insufficient damage to justify a major disaster declaration. In a correspondence sent to the Governor, Congressman Jeff Van Drew noted that a major disaster declaration is not required to address the current conditions at the Jersey Shore, and that the issuance of a state disaster declaration or a State of Emergency would create the legal pathway for New Jersey to request federal emergency assistance through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

If issued, a state disaster declaration or State of Emergency would allow New Jersey to act quickly by deploying state resources, formally requesting federal assistance, and accelerating coordination with federal agencies to address worsening shoreline conditions.

“Our island and our neighboring coastal communities are facing real and growing risks from repeated storm events and accelerating erosion,” said Brigantine Mayor Vince Sera. “This resolution reflects the urgency of the situation and our need for immediate state and federal support to protect homes, public safety, and critical infrastructure.”

Mayor Sera stated that addressing the current erosion challenges requires coordination and resources beyond what local governments can provide alone.

“A state disaster declaration is a necessary legal and procedural step to access federal assistance and deploy the large-scale coastal protection measures that are urgently needed,” Mayor Sera said. “Without that action, communities like Brigantine remain increasingly vulnerable with every storm.”

In early November, Brigantine City Council also passed a separate resolution declaring a local state of emergency due to severe beach and dune erosion and formally requesting immediate state and federal assistance for emergency beach replenishment and coastal restoration. No response was received from the Governor’s office. City officials maintain that continued inaction leaves the island exposed to escalating risk from future storms.

“I want to thank Congressman Van Drew for his ongoing efforts on behalf of Brigantine and the Jersey Shore. His office has been actively engaged, meeting with affected homeowners, coordinating with federal agencies, and advocating for the use of available Disaster Supplemental funding to help stabilize and protect our shoreline,” said Mayor Sera.

The City of Brigantine remains committed to working collaboratively with state and federal partners to secure immediate assistance and advance long-term solutions that strengthen coastal resilience for Brigantine and the entire Jersey Shore.

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