AC Electric, Sustainable Jersey present $50,000 in grants for open space, sustainability projects

Provided/Kristin McEvoy, director of external affairs at Atlantic City Electric, presented awards to local green teams for sustainability projects.

MAYS LANDING - To help support the development of environmental, open space and resiliency projects across South Jersey communities, Atlantic City Electric and Sustainable Jersey today announced the 10 recipients of the 2023 Sustainable Communities Grants Program.

The one-time grants of up to $5,000 each, totaling $50,000, support nature preservation, safer parks, and enhanced resiliency for local communities. This funding is made available through Atlantic City Electric's Sustainable Communities Grant program.

Egg Harbor City hosted the grant awards presentation at breakfast meeting held the Teamsters 331 Union Hall in Egg Harbor City.

We are so pleased to help our local communities bring these projects to fruition and to support in ways that will have lasting impacts on not only the community, but the environment as well, Atlantic City Electric Director of External Affairs Kristin McEvoy said. We remain steadfast in our climate goals and recognize supporting our communities through these grants will foster a cleaner and safer environment.

In our work to help communities thrive in the face of a changing climate, these funded projects will build local resilience and preserve natural resources, Sustainable Jersey Executive Director Randall Solomon said. We're excited to partner with the Atlantic City Electric to produce actionable steps that address the state's climate challenges and support a sustainable New Jersey.

SustainableEHC green team received a $5,000 award.

In Atlantic County, Atlantic City was awarded $5,000 to develop an open space and recreation element of the city's master plan. Egg Harbor City was awarded $5,000 to continue upgrading City Lake Park by cleaning up the north shore side of the park which is home to the historic gravesite of Sibbel Shaler and by enhancing interpretive signage along the well-known trail. Somers Point was also awarded $5,000 to update the landscaping and playground at the senior citizens center, including a temperature moderation project.

Somers Point's green team recieved a $5,000 award.

The purchase and planting of shade trees adapted to our local conditions will not only enhance the site itself, but will also help create more welcoming green space in this neighborhood, which is critical to the health and wellbeing of all of our citizens, Mayor John L. Glasser Jr. said.

Other recipients are:

• Commercial Township ($5,000) The grant will be used to purchase an osprey nature sign at the local park.


• Maurice River Township ($5,000) The grant will be used to construct and install two large shade structures for the Delmont and Port Elizabeth Recreation areas.


• Deptford Township ($5,000) The grant will be used to restore and rehabilitate the Fasola Park steps.


• East Greenwich Township ($5,000) The grant will be used to redevelop Mickleton Park by removing invasive plants and develop a native plant nursey.


• Upper Pittsgrove Township ($5,000) The grant will be used to enhance signage along Elephant Swamp Trail to improve safety and cleanliness of the trail and guide residents to connecting trails and parks.


• Medford Township ($5,000) The grant will be used to develop a weather station and begin the second phase of a lightening detection system in the township to prepare residents for severe weather, save lives and reduce storm damage.


• Long Beach Township ($5,000) The grant will be used to build a resilience and restoration demonstration display.

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.

Atlantic City Electric launched the Sustainable Communities Grant program in 2020 with Sustainable Jersey administering the grants to local communities. To date, the program has provided $275,000 in grants supporting environmental, open space and resiliency efforts in the communities where Atlantic City Electric serves.

More information on the Sustainable Communities Grant Program is available at atlanticcityelectric.com/SustainableCommunities.

To learn more about Atlantic City Electric, visit The Source, Atlantic City Electric's online newsroom.