NORTH CAPE MAY — With the Delaware River and Bay Authority’s (DRBA) budget being squeezed by Gov. Chris Christie, the authority informed Lower Township Council that it will not pay for a July 3 fireworks show this year.
Lower Township Deputy Mayor Kevin Lare said the price tag for the township to pay for a fireworks show would be $50,000. He said council must decide if it still wants to hold an Independence Day Festival along the bay this year minus fireworks.
The township spends $28,000 on the festival without paying for fireworks, said Lare.
Township Manager Kathy McPherson predicted a small turnout from the public without fireworks.
Councilman Wayne Mazurek suggested a joint fireworks show with the City of Cape May.
Mayor Michael Beck said he would ask the township’s Recreation Department for a recommendation.
Councilman Glenn Douglass said it is too late to receive permits for a fireworks show in the township this year. He said he would contact the Lower Township Chamber of Commerce for assistance.
Beck said he wasn’t sure it was a good idea not to have some sort of event for Independence Day.
