Ocean City Receives $30K Grant For Electric Vehicle Demonstration

Ocean City, NJ -- Ocean City is receiving a $30,000 grant from Sustainable Jersey for an electric vehicle demonstration.

Business Administrator Jim Mallon first announced the grant during Tuesday night’s council meeting at City Hall.

“Ocean City is proud of its Sustainable Jersey silver certification,” Mayor Jay A. Gillian said in a statement from the city. “We always try to be a leader in green initiatives, and the acquisition of an electric vehicle is another step in our continuing efforts to protect our environment.”

On Wednesday morning, Sustainable Jersey said the demonstration will help the city get a vehicle that would be part of the city fleet, which will help show the public how electric vehicles work and what the benefits are.

Ocean City is one of four municipalities statewide that will receive grants funded by the Gardinier Environmental Fund. Woodbine, as well as Hoboken City and Park Ridge will also receive grants.

Four public school districts will also receive the grant money, including Pennsauken, South Orange-Maplewood, High Bridge Borough and North Plainfield.

“Investments in local energy projects will help us make progress toward the goal of a more sustainable and resilient New Jersey,” said Randall Solomon who co-directs Sustainable Jersey with Donna Drewes. “Congratulations to the forward-thinking school districts and municipalities that developed these projects.”

“The Gardinier Environmental Fund is committed to conserving the earth’s energy resources and enhancing renewable energy measures,” said Gene Wentzel, president, Gardinier Environmental Fund. “We are proud to stand alongside Sustainable Jersey, and to continue to fund worthy projects that supports our mutual goals in New Jersey.”

New Jersey is the first state in the nation to have a comprehensive sustainability program for communities that links certification with strong state and private financial incentives, and a fully resourced program of technical support and training.

Currently, 441 of New Jersey’s 565 municipalities are participating in the municipal certification program.

Also, 230 school districts and 568 schools are participating in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification program.

Patch file photo