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Photo Courtesy of Coastal Science & Engineering
The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) and Coastal States Organization (CSO) recently wrote to Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick Larsen of the House regarding the bipartisan Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act of 2025, H.R. 4669. We call for Congress to retain post-disaster FEMA support for states and coastal communities that invest in engineered beaches—critical infrastructure that safeguards lives, property, and our nation’s shoreline.
An “Engineered Beach” is a FEMA term for long-term nourishment programs managed, funded, and maintained by state and local communities. These projects are planned, designed, and periodically maintained by state and local entities. Federal support is only activated under disaster declarations.
Historically, FEMA’s Public Assistance program has recognized the importance of engineered beaches, evaluating them with criteria similar to those used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for coastal storm risk management. Despite being categorized as “recreation” within FEMA’s system, engineered beaches play a vital role in protecting coastal infrastructure from storm damage and flooding.
The joint letter highlights concerns about proposed changes in FEMA’s funding for non-federal engineered beaches, in an OMB memo “Actions to Rebalance FEMA’s Role in Disasters.” The memo classifies ports, harbors, and transit facilities as critical infrastructure—exempting them from recreational definitions— we urge similar recognition and exemption for engineered beaches.
There is clear precedent for this approach: FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance program includes engineered beaches as eligible projects for mitigating flood risk, and federal regulations (44 CFR 206.226(j)) authorize FEMA to restore engineered beaches after disasters.
Why now?
As Congress considers H.R. 4669 and the Administration scales back FEMA, ASBPA and CSO’s call to action is timely. Our request is not for new or increased pre-disaster mitigation funding, but to retain effective post-disaster partnership models that have historically helped protect America’s coasts.
Stay tuned for further updates as H.R. 4669 advances through Congress—and join ASBPA and CSO in their efforts to protect our coasts for generations to come.