VILLAS – The proposed $10.5 million aquatic center planned for the Cape May County Airport complex, which Lower Township voters supported in a non-binding referendum in November 2019, was tabled at the June 15 Lower Township Council meeting.
A resolution to table discussions regarding the center passed unanimously, with the struggling economy due to the COVID-19 outbreak cited as the reason.
Lower Township Mayor Frank Sippel said because of the economic downturn, funding for the project would likely dry up.
“The state is currently looking to borrow $5 billion due to economic shortfalls. There is no doubt funds for projects will be dwindling. It would not be fiscally prudent nor in the best interest of Lower Township taxpayers to move forward with the construction of the aquatic center,” Sippel explained.
Sippel said he hoped the tabled project would free up Open Space funds sought for the aquatic center for other recreation proposals in Lower Township.
