North Wildwood Battles State and Nature as Erosion Threatens Town

Following a destructive winter storm, the New Jersey shore town faces legal and environmental challenges in its fight against ocean erosion.

North Wildwood, a New Jersey shore town, is in a legal battle with the state over its attempts to protect against ocean erosion.
A recent winter storm destroyed part of the town's sand dunes, leaving it vulnerable with only small sand piles to protect $2.5 billion worth of private property.
New Jersey fined the town $12 million for unauthorized beach repairs, while the city is suing to recoup the $30 million spent on trucking sand to the site.
The state Department of Environmental Protection opposes the town's request for emergency permission to build a steel bulkhead along the most heavily eroded section of its beachfront.
Residents fear that all of North Wildwood could be wiped out if the water keeps coming over.