More Than $50K Given To Long Valley In Statewide Road Clean Up Plan

LONG VALLEY, NJ — By awarding $21.4 million in Clean Communities grants this year, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is bolstering statewide efforts to remove litter, beautify neighborhoods, and improve water quality.

Washington Township will be allocated $53,952 for 2022.

Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced that the total amount given is an estimated $700,000 higher than the disbursement in 2021.

"The DEP is thrilled that we are able to distribute additional grant funds this year to help communities improve their local environments and improve quality of life by removing litter, including from roadways and around stormwater collection systems," LaTourette said.

The program's reporting requirements are overseen by the nonprofit New Jersey Clean Communities Council. Disbursements are based on the number of housing units and the number of miles of municipally owned roadways.

"These community-level efforts have far-reaching impacts across the state, from beautifying neighborhoods to improving water quality and enhancing wildlife habitats," LaTourette said.

Clean Communities grants fund activities such as volunteer litter cleanups, litter-related education, and cleanups of stormwater systems that can disperse trash into streams, rivers and bays.

Other activities include volunteer cleanups of public properties, adoption and enforcement of local anti-littering ordinances, public information and education programs, recycling bins and graffiti removal.

"Municipalities and counties are strongly encouraged to use these grants to organize volunteer cleanups, pay employees to pick up litter, purchase badly needed cleanup equipment and promote educational activities and enforcement," said JoAnn Gemenden, Executive Director of the New Jersey Clean Communities Council.

"We are grateful for the funding that helps keep New Jersey litter-free," Gemenden said.