New Jersey Beach Town Defies State, Faces Millions in Fines Over Unauthorized Dune Repairs

North Wildwood, New Jersey has been conducting repair work on its eroded dunes without state approval and continues to defy orders to stop.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has fined North Wildwood $12 million for the unauthorized dune repairs but the town remains undeterred.
North Wildwood blames the state for lack of action on beach erosion and has sued the state for $21 million.
The DEP warns that North Wildwood's actions could threaten future funding for shore protection but the town argues it had to act on its own.
The standoff stems from North Wildwood being last in line for federally funded beach replenishment, leading the town to take matters into its own hands.