Wall Receives More Than $79K In Clean Communities Funds

WALL, NJ -- Wall Township has been awarded more than $79,000 as part of a record $23.7 million in Clean Communities grants announced this week by the Christie administration.

"Each New Jersey county is receiving Clean Communities money to help beautify their communities and protect natural resources," said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin. "Keeping our communities clean is just one way to improve the quality of life and build pride in our municipalities statewide."

The DEP is awarding more than $21.1 million to eligible municipalities, and an additional $2.6 million to all 21 counties. Clean Communities grants to municipalities and counties in 2015 totaled $20.8 million, the state said in a news release.

Wall received $79,840.77, while Monmouth County received $142,852.97.

"Simple initiatives such as litter control go a long way to making our communities healthier, stronger, and more sustainable," said Mark Pedersen, assistant commissioner for site remediation and waste management. "This year's increase in Clean Communities grants will allow New Jersey to continue fostering environmental stewardship at the local level as means to a more sustainable future."

As established by law, the nonprofit New Jersey Clean Communities Council oversees the reporting requirements for the program. Grants are funded by a legislated user-fee on manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors that produce litter-generating products. Disbursements to municipalities are based on the number of housing units and miles of municipally owned roadways within each municipality.

Litter comes from a variety of sources, such as pedestrians, motorists, overflowing household garbage, construction sites and uncovered trucks. Litter is often blown by the wind until it is trapped somewhere, such as along a fence, or in a ditch or gully. People tend to litter when an area is already littered, and when they lack a sense of ownership or pride in their community. In addition to being unsightly, litter is unhealthy and may create a negative public image.

Activities funded by Clean Communities grants include cleanups of stormwater systems that can disperse trash into streams, rivers and bays; volunteer cleanups of public properties; adoption and enforcement of local anti-littering ordinances; beach cleanups; public information and education programs; and purchases of litter collection equipment such as receptacles, recycling bins, anti-litter signs and graffiti removal supplies.