Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew, along with Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY), introduced H.R. 7459, the Coastal Trust Fund Act, which would create a reliable, long-term funding source for coastal protection projects nationwide.
"My bipartisan Coastal Trust Fund Act sets up a permanent and reliable funding stream for coastal storm risk management projects like beach nourishment," said Congressman Van Drew. "This is a big deal, not just for New Jersey, but for the whole country. The American coastal economy contributes to 46% of national GDP, but too often the government does not deliver coastal protection until after a disaster strikes. This legislation changes the status quo by investing $1 billion a year into the Army Corps of Engineers' coastal storm management projects. By funding the Coastal Trust Fund with existing offshore energy lease revenues, we earned a budget-neutral score from the Congressional Budget Office, meaning no new taxes or fees on anybody. This bill was developed through months of collaboration with the top coastal experts in the country, and it is one of the most serious efforts in history to protect the coastlines of the United States. Thank you to my colleague Representative Gillen and the entire coastal community for supporting this effort."
"As a lifelong Long Islander, I have witnessed firsthand how hurricanes, severe storms and coastal erosion can devastate our beachfronts," said Congresswoman Laura Gillen. "Long Island is home to some of the nation's most beloved and iconic beaches, yet these treasured shorelines face growing threats from stronger storms and rising sea levels. That is why it is critical that we act now to strengthen our coastal resilience by investing in proactive, long-term solutions. We must secure dedicated funding for projects that protect our waterfront communities and preserve our shoreline. This will ensure that future generations can continue to live, work and enjoy the natural beauty that defines Long Island."
What Organizations Said in Support of the Bill:
"ASBPA proudly supports Rep. Van Drew's bold new Coastal Trust Fund Act, which will transform how our nation funds coastal storm risk management. The bill ensures long-term, reliable, federal investment to protect lives, property, and vital infrastructure in America's coastal communities. The bill not only safeguards our environment, but also fuels economic growth by indirectly bolstering tourism, jobs, and local businesses," said Nicole Elko, Executive Director, American Shore and Beach Preservation Association.
"Coastal storms pose increasingly frequent and severe threats to the stability of our infrastructure and the safety of communities, particularly through heavy rainfall, flooding, and erosion. The Coastal Trust Fund Act would establish a fund dedicated to the construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of coastal storm risk management projects. ASCE thanks Rep. Van Drew for his leadership on this important issue and looks forward to working with him to advance this bill," said American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) President Marsha Anderson Bomar, Ph.D., AICP, ENV SP, H.ITE, F.ASCE.
"The Dredging Contractors of America strongly supports Congressman Van Drew's and Congresswoman Gillen's bipartisan legislation to establish a Coastal Trust Fund. A dedicated funding stream for the Army Corps of Engineers' coastal storm risk management projects strengthens our nation's resilience, protects lives and property, and safeguards the ports and waterways that power the American economy. Reliable funding allows the Corps, coastal communities, and industry to plan strategically, maintain critical infrastructure, and ensure our marine transportation system remains secure and operational. Coastal protection is not just an environmental priority; it is an economic and national security imperative," said William P. Doyle, CEO, Dredging Contractors of America.
"Communities along our coasts are facing increasingly severe storms and growing flood risks that require sustained, long-term infrastructure investment. The Coastal Trust Fund Act is an important step toward strengthening the federal commitment to resilience and emergency preparedness. Public works professionals are on the front lines before, during, and after disasters, and dedicated support for federally authorized coastal storm risk management projects will help protect lives, safeguard critical infrastructure, and ensure communities can recover faster when storms strike. APWA thanks Congressman Jeff Van Drew, co-chair of the House Public Works and Infrastructure Caucus, and Representative Laura Gillen, for their bipartisan leadership in advancing solutions that strengthen coastal resilience nationwide," said Scott D. Grayson, CAE, CEO, American Public Works Association.
"This bill, introduced today by Representative Van Drew and Representative Gillen, creates a much-needed mechanism to ensure that federal funding is available for coastal projects, like beach nourishment. Beaches not only play an important role in the increasing resilience to coastal storms, but are significant drivers of tourism and other economic activity for states and local communities," said Derek Brockbank, Executive Director, Coastal States Organization.
"The American Coastal Coalition strongly supports the Coastal Trust Fund Act, which will establish a dedicated revenue stream to support federal beach nourishment projects. Delays and shortages in federal funding for beaches have severe economic impacts for non-federal sponsors. This legislation fixes that. Thank you, Representative Van Drew, for introducing this legislation," said Dan Ginolfi, Executive Director, American Coastal Coalition.
"This act will ensure that vital projects to protect our coasts from the risks of storms can continue without interruption. By creating a predictable way to pay for these projects, the measure will enable contractors to safeguard the nation's coastal systems for years to come," said Alex Etchen, Vice President of Government Relations, Associated General Contractors of America.
Click here to read the text of the Coastal Trust Fund Act.
