The Army Corps. of Engineers is considering several plans to protect the East Coast shoreline from devastating storms like Superstorm Sandy.

Many towns along the Jersey Shore were devastated by the storm in 2012.

“It was bad. Bad. Boats on top of boats,” says Middletown resident Nancy Stavola. “We don’t want to go through that again and I’m sure everyone doesn’t want to go through it again.”

The Army Corps. is now considering five plans to protect the shoreline. One of the most popular plans is a 5-mile storm surge barrier from Sandy Hook to Breezy Point in New York. It would only be closed when a large storm is approaching.

"It’s good for public here and their homes because a lot of homes were damage and a lot of people are still not in their homes from Sandy,” says Debbie McMenemi, of Middletown.

But some say that the surge barrier could impact wildlife. Environmental groups like the Sierra Club say that it would be a massive waste of money. Director Jeff Tittel says that it would create serious environmental problems. He says that it would be harmful to fish and wildlife, restrict tidal flow and cause beach erosion.

Officials held public hearings this week to get residents’ opinion on the proposals.

The Army Corps. says that a final decision and ground breaking are still years away.