(12/05/06) ASBPA Encourages Public Access to Beaches in New Jersey

(10/18/06) Immediate Action Needed to Safeguard Public Health Along Nation’s Coast
Long Branch, New Jersey – During its 80th Anniversary Conference, the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) repeated its call for Congress to pass legislation that will help improve the quality of America’s coastal waters.

“Along the nation’s coasts, polluted water has forced beach closures and increased health risks to the public. As America’s coastal experts gather for our annual conference, ASBPA once again urges our national leaders to act immediately to address this critical problem,” stated Mayor Harry Simmons, President of ASBPA.

Simmons reiterated the organization’s support of the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act (BEACH Act). The BEACH Act expired in 2005. The House of Representatives passed a reauthorization bill last year (HR 1721) but the legislation has been stalled in the U.S. Senate.

Dr. Jurjen Battjes, professor of civil engineering at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, will be a keynote speaker at the Fall Conference of the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) to be held in Long Branch, NJ. The ASBPA conference will feature international and national experts on various aspects of coastal management and ocean issues.

Dr. Battjes is an expert on offshore and coastal engineering, wave action and levee systems who has lectured around the world. He recently advised engineering associations studying the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

(6/9/06) National Flood Insurance Program Overwhelmingly Favored Non-Coastal Communities

Between 1970 and 2004, Coastal Communities paid dramatically more in insurance premiums than did Non-Coastal Communities. While they were paid 10% more for damages incurred, Coastal Communities paid nearly 200% more than Non-Coastal Communities.

(6/8/06) Stevens Institute and Monmouth University Presidents to co-chair ASBPA Fall Conference

Dr. Harold J. Raveché, president of Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, and Admiral Paul G. Gaffney II, president of Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ, will serve as co-chairs for the ASBPA’s annual fall conference.

(4/22/06) ASBPA to Celebrate the Third Annual National Clean Beaches Week

American families make over 2 billion trips to the beach each year to enjoy the sun, sand, and outdoor activities that our nation’s treasured coastlines have to offer. Our nation’s beaches are an economic engine for a booming tourism industry, producing 85% of all tourism dollars generated in this country.

The week of June 29th-July 5th is the third annual National Clean Beaches Week. Celebrations will be held throughout the country focusing on four main themes important to beachgoers: healthy seafood, a clean coastal environment, safe and enjoyable recreation, and easy travel to beaches. Activities such as seafood festivals, dune vegetation planting, and beach clean up will take place all over the country in honor of National Clean Beaches Week.

1/9/2006) Yes to Beaches Resolution
ASBPA has developed a "Yes to Beaches" Resolution for 2006. ASBPA is urging local governments and associations to approve this crucial resolution and fax or e-mail it to your Congressional delegation as soon as possible (with a copy to ASBPA as well), to show the strong and consistent support for beaches across this country. Please bring this important issue to your local officials as soon as possible, so we can gather as many voice as possible saying “Yes to Beaches” in Washington, D.C. Thanks.