Joyce, Kiggans, Gottheimer, Dingell Introduce Legislation to Combat Shoreline Erosion

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Dave Joyce (OH-14) and Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Josh Gottheimer (NY-05), and Debbie Dingell (MI-06) introduced the Creating Opportunities to Advance Shoreline Treatments (COAST) Act to combat shoreline erosion. 

Specifically, the COAST Act would increase the authorized funding amount for the Emergency Stream Bank and Shoreline Protection Continuing Authority by $25,500,000 and expand the list of authorized uses of funds to include the construction, repair, restoration, and modification of emergency streambank and shoreline protection efforts. These projects would prevent damage to highways and other roadways, bridge approaches, public works, public recreational assets, public lands, and parks, churches, hospitals, schools, and other nonprofit public services.

“As someone who grew up on the shores of Lake Erie, I’ve seen the devastating effects of shoreline erosion: property is lost, structures are destroyed, and ecosystems are damaged,” said Congressman Joyce. “Unfortunately, most federal programs aimed at mitigating these impacts are not well targeted to shoreline erosion caused by high lake levels. That’s why I introduced the COAST Act to spur greater support for shoreline protection efforts. Together, we will protect the environmental and economic health of countless communities.”

“Southeast Virginia is home to hundreds of miles of coastline filled with important wildlife habitats and thriving communities,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “In order to keep our shorelines safe, it is critical that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has the tools and resources necessary to prevent damage caused by erosion and support mitigation efforts. I am proud to partner with my colleagues, Representatives Joyce, Dingell, and Gottheimer, on this bipartisan legislation to ensure we can continue to enjoy all our nation’s beautiful coastlines have to offer.”

“Flooding is the most common natural disaster New Jersey faces each year. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan COAST Act, which will expand critical investments in our fight to protect shores, roads, and bridges from erosion and damage across the country” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “These investments will further strengthen our infrastructure resilience and protect our economy and environment for generations to come.”

“As we experience the increasingly frequent and devastating impacts of the climate crisis, we must ensure officials are properly equipped to respond to these crises. This legislation will better prepare the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect vulnerable shorelines and prevent flooding and damage to critical infrastructure,” said Congresswoman Dingell.

Congressman Joyce serves as Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force.