Federal Funding Totals Hundreds Of Millions For South Jersey, Van Drew Says

SOUTH JERSEY — Congressman Jeff Van Drew announced that hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding have been secured for South Jersey. This funding was obtained through the federal budget, competitive grants, and targeted infrastructure investments over the past year. The funds are designated for various projects across New Jersey's Second Congressional District.

"South Jersey will not be forgotten," Van Drew said in a statement. "Our communities deserve their share, and I will keep fighting to make sure we get it. What we secured this past year is real money, for real projects, delivering real results, and we are not done yet. There are even more exciting funding announcements coming in the months ahead, and people across South Jersey are going to continue to see this funding take shape and transform their communities."

Among the projects receiving funding is a commitment from the Army Corps of Engineers to fast-track beach replenishment along the Jersey Shore. The U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May will receive $425,000,000 for a new indoor training center, a small-arms firing range, a gallery cafeteria, a pier, and barracks system recapitalization. The FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center will see $43,000,000 for sustainment and infrastructure improvements, including electrical system upgrades and resiliency projects.

Funding for infrastructure includes $10,508,000 for projects such as Atlantic Avenue resurfacing and traffic light synchronization. Dredging and erosion mitigation across South Jersey will receive $37,800,000, covering areas like the Absecon Inlet and Maurice River. Cape May City's seawall flood mitigation project is allocated $24,300,000. Atlantic Cape Community College will receive $3,000,000 to support a new dental hygiene school.

Airports across South Jersey, including Atlantic City International, Woodbine, Millville, Cape May, and Ocean City, will benefit from $8,298,000 for infrastructure improvements. Head Start programs are slated for $13,300,000 for early childhood education projects. Other allocations include $2,625,000 for a K9 training facility in Corbin City and $2,000,000 for flood mitigation in Salem City. The HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers will receive $500,000 for national expansion. Swedesboro will receive $1,000,000 for lead pipe abatement.

Additional projects include $500,000 for a Cape May desalination plant, $600,000 for shore protection features at Gandy's Beach, and $750,000 for sewer main replacement in Long Beach Township. An Aviation Maintenance Training Academy at Atlantic City International Airport will receive $1,000,000 to create job opportunities. The City of Vineland will receive $1,624,000 for emergency shelter water supply.