Provided/2022 Atlantic City Electric Sustainable Communities Grant recipients.
MAYS LANDING Atlantic City Electric is powering local communities in ways that go beyond reliable energy service though environmental stewardship and resiliency grants for South Jersey municipalities. The company's Sustainable Communities Grant Program, which is facilitated by Sustainable Jersey, has provided $275,000 in grants to fund sustainability projects across South Jersey since its launch in 2020. The grant application is now open through June 29.
We are proud of the impact our Sustainable Communities Grant Program provides to South Jersey and we will continue partnering with local municipalities to ensure we are fulfilling our commitment to empower the communities we serve, said Marisa Slaten, director of Corporate Community Impact for Pepco Holdings, which includes Atlantic City Electric. Last year, our program supported 15 projects, including the installation of a critical operations power system in Hamilton Township, building an ADA accessible pathway to a scenic observation area in Egg Harbor Township, and redeveloping a community garden in Folsom Borough. We are eager to see the opportunities this program will bring in 2023.
The 2023 program provides $40,000 in environmental stewardship grants, up to $5,000 each, for projects focusing on open space preservation, improvements to parks and recreation resources and environmental conservation.
The program supports the company's focus on community giving with projects that provide energy empowerment through sustainability, environmental and open space initiatives. Examples of eligible projects include the development of recreation trails, the purchase of open space and the planting of trees and other vegetation.
The program also provides $10,000 in resiliency grants, up to $5,000 each, to support innovative approaches to providing a safe and reliable resource for a community during a time of emergency, such as severe weather.
These grants help municipalities implement environmental and resiliency projects that strengthen our defenses against the effects of extreme weather and a changing climate in New Jersey, Sustainable Jersey Executive Director Randall Solomon said. We value our partnership with Atlantic City Electric to support impactful projects made possible through the Sustainable Communities Grant Program.
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.
With our 2022 Sustainable Communities Grant, we've kickstarted our efforts to provide more sustainable solutions by purchasing a water bottle filling station for our beloved Chestnut Branch Park, an effort that will greatly reduce single use water bottles as well as eliminate toxins and water waste, Mantua Township Deputy Mayor said Pete Scirrotto said. We thank the team at Atlantic City Electric and Sustainable Jersey for their tremendous funding contribution to our community, and we are excited to contribute to a healthier environment. With unified efforts, we will continue to invest in more environmentally friendly resources and create a more sustainable future for both our present and future generations."
For Atlantic City Electric and its parent company Exelon, diversity, equity and inclusion is a core foundational value both in the workplace and in outreach to the people it serves. The company strongly encourages underrepresented communities to apply for the Sustainable Communities grant.
Interested organizations can learn more about the Sustainable Communities Grant Program and how to submit a grant request atatlanticcityelectric.com/SustainableCommunities.
