Task Force Will Study Shore Beach Fees [AUDIO]

A resolution moving through the State House would establish a task force to take a closer look at those much-maligned beach fees charged by most Jersey Shore towns.

The nine-member task force consisting of state lawmakers, some shore town mayors and citizens will study beach fees to determine if the revenue from the fees is used to maintain beaches.

It unanimously passed the State Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee Monday.

"The concern that was out there was that it was another fee that was being used to supplement the general fund of the municipality," Chairman and State Senator Jeff Van Drew.

The task force will also study whether the fees are affordable. Five of 38 beaches will increase fees this summer, according to New Jersey Monthly magazine.

A lot of visitors don't like them, but shore towns say they need the fees to maintain the beaches used by everyone, residents and non-residents alike.