NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced that the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will award more than $700,000 in federal funds to Richard Stockton College of New Jersey to complete the first statewide quantitative assessment of the storm vulnerability of New Jersey’s shoreline.

    “This study will help assess the vulnerabilities of our shoreline so we can better protect New Jersey’s beaches, businesses and communities,” said Sen. Lautenberg.  “We need to continue supporting New Jersey’s history of innovative coastal research and this grant will further that effort.”

    “Understanding the vulnerability of the Jersey Shore to storms is essential to the well-being of those living near the beach, as well as our tourism, economy and environment,” said Sen. Menendez.  “With these funds, Richard Stockton College will help to protect shore communities through better understanding and prevention of future natural disasters.”

    The $704,046 in funding will help Stockton College to classify, quantify and forecast:

        •    weaknesses in coastal dunes, which could result in damage to New Jersey shoreline businesses and homes during storms; and

        •    changes in shoreline position as a result of erosion or accretion.

    The Richard Stockton College Coastal Research Center (CRC) works with the state and local municipalities to monitor and manage New Jersey’s coastal zone and collects and provides geotechnical data gathered from the coast.

    Since May, Sens. Lautenberg and Menendez announced nearly $2.7 million for environmental, coastal and ocean research for New Jersey.

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