The late Senator S. Thomas Gagliano,  founder and former Chairman of the Jersey Shore Partnership, recognized the need for legislative support for shore protection and, through his unique ability to bring together elected officials and corporate leaders, he established the non-partisan, not-for-profit Jersey Shore Partnership in 1992 to seek stable funding on the state and federal levels for coastal protection.  All of us who treasure our Jersey Shore beaches are indebted to Tom Gagliano’s vision and leadership in advocating successfully for a dedicated Shore Protection Fund.