SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. (AP) — Federal officials looking to better protect New York and New Jersey from storms like Superstorm Sandy are examining a plan to create a string of islands off the coast.

The proposal by New Jersey’s Stevens Institute of Technology and two architectural firms would pump sand onto hard bases to form a chain of islands designed to blunt the force of storm surges like the ones that caused billions of dollars’ worth of damage in 2012.

Recommended Stories

Paul LePage polarizes Maine voters with comeback bid for Jared Golden’s House seat

Women’s health depends on recognizing sex differences

Nickel-and-dimed voters are ready to send politicians the bill