Several Sustainability Grants Given To Atlantic Co. Communities

ATLANTIC COUNTY, NJ — Several Atlantic County municipalities are receiving a chunk of $75,000 in funds to support open space and resiliency projects.

Fifteen South Jersey municipalities were selected by Atlantic City Electric and Sustainable Jersey. The funds come from Atlantic City Electric's Sustainable Communities Grant program, which supports open space preservation, improvements to parks, environmental conservation and community resiliency projects.

"We are so pleased to join our local communities and to help advance these initiatives that will have a lasting positive impact on our environment," said Doug Mokoid, region president, Atlantic City Electric in a release. "We are committed to helping our customers and communities achieve our collective climate goals. This program is an extension of that commitment and just one of the many ways we are taking a leadership role in helping to foster a cleaner and safer environment for us all."

The Sustainable Communities Grant program was launched in 2020 and Sustainable Jersey administers the grants to local communities. Municipalities in the Atlantic City Electric service area can apply for a Sustainable Communities grant each year. A committee with representatives from Atlantic City Electric and Sustainable Jersey reviews each application and selects the projects to receive funding.

"As we experience the devastating effects of extreme weather and a changing climate on New Jersey communities, these grants support projects that build up local climate resilience and preserve our natural resources," said Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. "We value our partnership with Atlantic City Electric and the investment is making a difference in a sustainable New Jersey."

Here are the Atlantic County communities, how much of the grant they earned and what they plan to do with the money:

• Hamilton Township ($10,000) – The grant will be used to purchase and install a critical operations power system that would automatically supply power to vital systems and assist with effectively responding to emergencies throughout the township.
• Folsom Borough ($5,000) – The grant will be used to redevelop the community garden by enhancing its appearance, installing park benches and planting shade trees.
• Egg Harbor City ($5,000) – The grant will be used to redevelop City Lake Park by constructing a new nature trail and making enhancements along the new trail and existing park.
• Atlantic City ($5,000) – The grant will be used to purchase native plants for Gardner's Basin and recreate a historical trail with hopes to engage and inform residents of the area's important horticultural impacts.
• Egg Harbor Township ($5,000) – The grant will be used to build an ADA accessible pathway to a scenic observation area, allowing everyone to safely access the Nature Reserve.
• Port Republic City ($2,000) – The grant will be used for upgrades and signage at Harry Bowen Park.
• Northfield City ($5,000) – The grant will be used to clean up and redevelop the Racoon Lake area and refurbish the existing fireplace.