The money spent each year on storm-related disaster relief is predominantly on inland flood and wind damage. These facts do not support FEMA's recommendations to increase flood insurance premiums for coastal residents and embark on a policy of coastal retreat. Coastal erosion is a national problem, but America's beaches are eroding not because of homes near the coast. We have developed ports, inland waterways and dams. Each of these interferes with the natural flow of sand.
Unchecked erosion can leave coastal communities more prone to damage caused by storm surges.
Beaches are the No. 1 tourist destination in America. They generate tens of billions of dollars in local, state, and national tax revenues. There is even more at stake along the coast than money. If we do not maintain beaches, we lose the single most important recreational opportunity for Americans. Beaches are coastal parks and they should be treated with the same priority we give to maintaining the rest of our local, state, and national park systems.