EWING – Sustainable Jersey announced the 32 New Jersey municipalities selected to receive a Sustainable Jersey grant funded by the PSEG Foundation.
Four $20,000 grants, eight $10,000 grants and 20 $2,000 grants were distributed to fund a variety of projects including turtle habitat protection, environmental resource inventories, an electric vehicle charging station, single use plastic reduction campaigns, pond restoration, composting and food waste diversion, creative placemaking in a business district, raingardens, composting and food waste reduction, green team capacity building and more.
“Nothing beats seeing a great idea turned into a reality, especially when that dream realizes benefits for communities and the environment. These grants support green teams and municipalities working at the local level to create vibrant and sustainable communities,” said Randall Solomon, executive director for Sustainable Jersey. He extended his congratulations to all of the towns that received grants. “The grants we awarded today will build capacity as municipalities move sustainability programs forward and work toward the goal of a more sustainable New Jersey,” Solomon said.
The PSEG Foundation has contributed 1.5 million dollars in funding to the Sustainable Jersey grants program for municipalities and schools. “PSEG is committed to supporting communities in their efforts to provide sustainable neighborhoods and economic development,” said Barb Short, president of the PSEG Foundation. “Our ongoing partnership with Sustainable Jersey helps bring real change and has a lasting impact to neighborhoods throughout New Jersey.”
Sustainable Jersey Grants Recipients (project descriptions below):
- Four $20,000 Grant Recipients: Avalon Borough, Hawthorne Borough, Ocean Township and Somerville Borough
- Eight $10,000 Grant Recipients: Bloomfield Township, Franklin Township (Hunterdon), Garfield City, Millburn Township, Passaic City, Red Bank Borough, Ventnor City and Waterford Township
- 20 $2,000 Grant Recipients: Boonton Township, Brigantine City, Burlington Township, Denville Township, Egg Harbor Township, Fair Haven Borough, Folsom Borough, Galloway Township, Glen Rock Borough, Holmdel Township, Manville Borough, North Haledon Borough, Oradell Borough, Palmyra Borough, Perth Amboy City, Ringwood Borough, South Plainfield Borough, Stone Harbor Borough, Wall Township and Woolwich Township
Proposals were evaluated by an independent Blue-Ribbon Selection Committee. The Sustainable Jersey grants are intended to help municipalities make progress toward a sustainable future in general, and specifically toward Sustainable Jersey certification. Currently, 79 percent, or 446 of New Jersey’s 565 municipalities are participating in the municipal certification program.
Recipients of $20,000 Sustainable Jersey Project Grants in Cape May County:
Avalon Borough
Diamondback Terrapin Nesting Habitat Enhancement Pilot Project: To address the concern of residents, and help protect the habitat of the Diamondback Terrapins, turtle nesting gardens and barriers will be created to prevent the turtles from crossing a busy road where numerous turtle fatalities have been reported. The Borough will use this as an educational opportunity for residents.
“The Borough of Avalon is humbled and deeply appreciative of the grant provided by the Sustainable Jersey program and PSEG Foundation. We are hopeful that the project will help raise education and awareness for nesting terrapin turtles in New Jersey and provide a template for which this project can be replicated by other coastal communities in New Jersey, and other states.” — Mayor Martin Paglughi, Avalon Borough, Cape May County
Recipients of $2,000 Sustainable Jersey Capacity Building Grants in Cape May County:
Stone Harbor Borough
Green Team Outreach: The Borough’s Green Team will increase its outreach and educational efforts on recycling and water conservation at upcoming events, such as the green fair, and encourage residents to think about sustainability.
“On behalf of the Borough of Stone Harbor I am very pleased to accept the $2,000 PSEG Foundation grant award offered through Sustainable Jersey. The Borough of Stone Harbor Go Green Team in cooperation with all borough departments worked hard to achieve Sustainable Jersey Silver Certification in 2017. This funding will help with our ongoing effort to preserve our beautiful seashore community. The funding provided will help fund the annual Go Green Fair as well as the Borough’s plans to educate homeowners and visitors on the importance of proper recycling. On behalf of the entire Stone Harbor community I would like to thank PSEG for generously providing grant funding that allows all communities the opportunity to continue to develop initiatives that will promote sustainability both now and in the future.” — Mayor Judy Davies-Dunhour, Stone Harbor Borough, Cape May County
