Avalon, Stone Harbor Support Coalition’s Beach Campaign

Posted June 22nd 2026

Avalon and Stone Harbor recently announced their commitment to join the American Coastal Coalition’s #YestoBeaches 2026 campaign. The ACC’s mission is to protect beaches and the 129 million people who live within 50 miles of coasts across America.

The coalition was founded in 1996 to ensure that government policies protected beaches and coastal restoration projects. The ACC has represented more than 150 communities on coastal projects involving federal agencies like FEMA and the Corps of Engineers. Over its 40 years, the ACC has awarded more than $1.5 billion in federal funding. The 2026 campaign, #YestoBeaches, aims to specifically address storm protection, economic impacts, community stories, and environmental influences. The campaign outlines direct calls to action for Congress. Avalon and Stone Harbor became two of many coastal towns in New Jersey to join the ACC and support its 2026 campaign.

Said Avalon Mayor John McCorristin: “We’ve worked with [ACC executive director] Dan Ginolfi and his group for years on different funding for our beach management and different resources. They have been just unbelievable in representing us in Washington. This year it became very, very important since the earmarks weren’t there for us to get the funding when it was our turn for the actual hydraulic beach fill. This organization is here to support everybody and to try to get us funding for not only the beach fill, but consistent resiliency along the beach. We appreciate all that they have done.”

Stone Harbor also supports the ACC’s 2026 campaign. Said Mayor Tim Carney: “[The ACC] are advocates for federal funding for our coastlines, and they are out front on the effects of erosion and storm damage. They also help us secure federal investments in sand replenishment. Both are good things.”

So, what can you do? The ACC asks you to sign its petition, join as a member organization, call your representatives, and spread the word.

“We’re a small community,” McCorristin said, “and we need the people that live in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York to talk to their Congress people and let them know how important it is. This affects all of us.”

Said Carney: “It is always great for residents’ voices to be heard. Reach out to your municipality leaders, council members, county commissioners, and your congressional representatives.”

Go to americancoastalcoalition.org for more information.