Township Receives $149,316 In Clean Communities Grant From State

Berkeley Township got some good news recently, to the tune of $149,316 in a state Department of Environmental Protection Clean Communities Grant, Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. said.

"I would like to once again thank the state for their commitment in funding this vital grant program," Amato said.

Berkeley will use a portion of the money to offset salaries of employees who clean and maintain the township's parks and beaches. It will also fund "mini-grants" to local non-profit and community groups that participate in Berkeley's "Adopt a Spot" or "Adopt a Road" programs, the mayor said.

“Any nonprofit civic or community group in the township that signs up to participate in our "Adopt a Spot" or "Adopt a Road" project can receive $500 for their organization.” Amato said. “These cleanups provide a valuable service in keeping our township clean."

The funding also provides for equipment related to the clean-ups, education and enforcement of litter laws, he said.

"We plan on using some of these groups to help tidy up our streets and areas along the maritime areas where remnants of Superstorm Sandy remain." Amato said.

Any nonprofit organizations in Berkeley that want to participate in the program, should call Township Clean Communities Coordinator, Mark Vanella at 732-341-1022.

"It's a win-win situation for our township, he said. "Nonprofit community groups take advantage of the funding and the township benefits that we are able to get areas of our town cleaned up."