Thirteen Local Projects Receive $75,000 in Funding for Open Space and Resiliency Through Atlantic City Electric’s Sustainable Communities Program

Atlantic City Electric, together with its program administrator Sustainable Jersey, have chosen 13 local municipalities to receive $75,000 in funds to support open space and resiliency projects in South Jersey. This funding is provided as part of Atlantic City Electric's Sustainable Communities Grant program, which provides funding to support open space preservation, improvements to parks and recreation resources, environmental conservation and innovative community resiliency projects.

"Climate change and its social and environmental effects are among the most significant challenge facing the world today, and it is imperative that we take the steps to help preserve and restore our natural habitat while preparing for a world with more extreme weather and less predictability," said Melissa Lavinson, senior vice president of Governmental and External Affairs for Pepco Holdings, which includes Atlantic City Electric. "The projects benefiting from this funding provide direct support to our communities, through the conservation of critical open space, supporting recreational opportunities and building resilience in the face of a changing climate. We have a vested interest in the wellbeing and success of our communities. It's what drives us. I'm excited to see these innovative projects in action, as well as the positive impacts they will have toward establishing a healthy environment and community."

In partnership with Sustainable Jersey, an organization that researches best practices for what communities could and should do to contribute to a sustainable future, Atlantic City Electric is providing grants to the following municipalities:

• Brigantine City ($5,000) - The grant will be used for converting a two-story beach observation deck into the Brigantine Environmental and Community Hub (BEACH) with educational signage for flora and fauna observation.

• Egg Harbor City ($5,000) - The grant will be used to provide tree identifying signage in Lincoln Park for community education of native New Jersey trees and encourage tree planting across the community.

• Elmer Borough ($5,000) - The grant will be used for a large outdoor pavilion in a new park to allow for shelter during inclement weather.

• Elsinboro Township ($10,000) - The grant will be used for the purchase of a utility terrain vehicle, allowing emergency responders easier access to rural and riverfront community areas.

• Evesham Township ($5,000) - The grant will be used for planning responsible development and preservation of open space by updating Evesham's Open Space and Recreation Plan.

• Franklin Township ($5,000) - The grant will be used for redeveloping Malaga Lake playground and nature trails, making the park a safe place where children can play and be active.

• Laurel Springs Borough ($10,000) - The grant will be used for emergency power generators for the town's emergency shelter and communications space.\

• Town of Hammonton ($5,000) – The grant will be used for rehabilitating the stormwater management structures alongside a feeder stream to Hammonton Lake, and designing green infrastructures to handle stormwater run-off into the area.

• Little Egg Harbor Township ($5,000) - The grant will be used to construct and install an informational kiosk at Mystic Beach with the history, natural features, and benefits of the beach, Graveling Point, the Great Bay, and Little Egg Harbor Inlet.

• Long Beach Township ($5,000) - The grant will be used for building a demonstration site of "Pollinator Pots" for native and pollinator friendly plantings.

• Pittsgrove Township ($5,000) - The grant will be used for the purchase and installation of a non-verbal communications board for children with autism and special needs at a local park, allowing all children interactive access.

• Salem City ($5,000) - The grant will be used for redeveloping and making upgrades to Elm Street and Hubbell Avenue playgrounds, making the parks a safe place where children can play and be active.

• Wildwood Crest Borough ($5,000) - The grant will be used for upgrades and signage at Preston Park to create a safe and educational space for diamondback terrapins egg laying.

"As we experience the devastating effects of extreme weather and a changing climate on New Jersey communities, providing these grants will encourage municipalities to complete environmental stewardship and resiliency projects to help us meet future challenges," said Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. "We value our partnership with Atlantic City Electric on this important initiative."

Atlantic City Electric's Sustainable Communities Grant Program will provide up to $75,000 in grants annually to fund environmental stewardship and resiliency projects across the company's South Jersey service area. The program will provide grants of up to $5,000 each to municipalities for projects focusing on open space preservation, improvements to parks and recreation resources, and environmental conservation. The company also will provide grants of up to three grants totaling $25,000 to support resiliency projects.

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. Interested municipalities and partnering organizations can learn more about the Sustainable Communities Grant Program and how to submit a grant request at atlanticcityelectric.com/SustainableCommunities.

Quotes Provided by Mayors, Municipal Contacts and Green Team Members: QUOTES FROM SELECT GRANT RECIPIENTS