To help support the development of environmental, open space and resiliency projects across South Jersey communities, Atlantic City Electric and Sustainable Jersey announced the 10 recipients of the 2023 Sustainable Communities Grants Program.
The one-time grants of up to $5,000 each, totaling $50,000, support nature preservation, safer parks, and enhanced resiliency for local communities. The funding is made available through Atlantic City Electric’s Sustainable Communities Grant program.
Egg Harbor City hosted the grant awards presentation at breakfast meeting held the Teamsters 331 Union Hall in Egg Harbor City.
“We are so pleased to help our local communities bring these projects to fruition and to support them in ways that will have lasting impacts on not only the community, but the environment as well,” Atlantic City Electric Director of External Affairs Kristin McEvoy said. “We remain steadfast in our climate goals and recognize supporting our communities through these grants will foster a cleaner and safer environment.”
Sustainable Jersey Executive Director Randall Solomon said, “We’re excited to partner with the Atlantic City Electric to produce actionable steps that address the state’s climate challenges and support a sustainable New Jersey.”
In Atlantic County, Atlantic City was awarded $5,000 to develop an open space and recreation element of the city’s master plan.
Somers Point was awarded $5,000 to update the landscaping and playground at the senior citizens center, including a temperature moderation project.
“The purchase and planting of shade trees adapted to our local conditions will not only enhance the site itself, but will also help create more welcoming green space in this neighborhood, which is critical to the health and well-being of all of our citizens,” Somers Point Mayor Jack Glasser said.
Egg Harbor City was awarded $5,000 to continue upgrading City Lake Park by cleaning up the north shore side of the park, which is home to the historic gravesite of Sibbel Shaler and by enhancing interpretive signage along the well-known trail.
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.
Atlantic City Electric launched the Sustainable Communities Grant program in 2020 with Sustainable Jersey administering the grants to local communities.
To date, the program has provided $275,000 in grants supporting environmental, open space and resiliency efforts in the communities where Atlantic City Electric serves.
More information on the Sustainable Communities Grant Program is available at atlanticcityelectric.com/SustainableCommunities.
