Good news for those working on coastal resiliency projects in South Jersey — and facing funding issues.
The Ocean Wind Pro-NJ Grantor Trust Fund announced Wednesday that it will award $10 million in funding for coastal infrastructure and resiliency projects in Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May counties. This funding is meant to help communities prepare for, withstand, mitigate and recover from severe weather occurrences, flooding, natural disasters and other climate-related challenges.
The application period, which opened Wednesday, closes at 3 p.m. on Oct. 31, though the submission period may be extended depending on the number of applications received. Eligible applicants include educational institutions, non-profits and governmental agencies at the county and municipal levels in Ocean, Atlantic or Cape May County. (click here for more details).
“From sunny-day nuisance flooding to the destructive impact of major storm surges, New Jersey’s coastal towns face growing risks that threaten both daily life and long-term stability,” Chair Beverly McCall said.
“Resiliency starts with investments in the infrastructure that keeps residents safe, protects property and ensures our communities can recover quickly. The Trust encourages eligible organizations to bring forward projects and initiatives that will make a meaningful impact to the coastal communities and counites in southern New Jersey.”
During this round of funding, the Trust will award up to $10 million supporting coastal resiliency, coastal transportation and grid reliability in Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May counties. In addition to providing support for infrastructure projects led by governmental agencies, the Trust has expanded eligibility to include educational institutions and non-profits who have coastal resiliency projects, research and initiatives.
The Trust is a $15 million independent fund initially established in 2019. In the first round of funding for coastal resiliency projects, the Trust awarded grants totaling $3.9 million to seven municipalities. In addition to providing funding for coastal resiliency projects, the Trust offers small, women-owned and minority-owned businesses support in reconfiguring or adapting their businesses to participate in the developing offshore wind industry. To date, the Trust has awarded a total of $4.8 million in grants in support of its purpose.
