Cumberland County Improvement Authority

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 28, 2007

IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES 2008 ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT GRANT RECIPIENTS

MILLVILLE, NJ: The Cumberland County Improvement Authority announced today the recipients of their 2008 Community Environmental Enhancement Grants. The program was established in 2002 to assist community, environmental and sportsmen groups; non-profit’s; faith-based organizations; and service clubs in preserving and improving the environment in Cumberland County. This year, almost $300,000 in grants were awarded to 18 Cumberland County groups.

“We received a number of impressive applications this year from a variety of different community groups,” said Albert Kelly, Improvement Authority Board Chairman. “With matching funds provided by the individual groups, the program will have a total benefit to the County of over $1.8 million. In fact, since the program’s inception, over $4.46 million in recreational and environmental funding has been invested throughout the County.”

“This program has become a model that others around the State are trying to duplicate,” said Freeholder and Deputy Director Bruce T. Peterson, Improvement Authority Co-Liaison. “Beyond the obvious value of the new recreational facilities that are created, the program is a great educational tool as well. Through grassroots environmental projects funded by the program, we can help ensure that County residents remain environmentally aware and have the ability to help maintain an ecologically and economically sustainable environment.”

“Improvement Authority staff monitors the progress of each grant recipient in order to ensure that the program meets its objectives,” said Steven R. Wymbs, Improvement Authority Executive Director. “The funds for each grant recipient are not released until after the Authority is provided with documentation that pre-approved activities outlined in the grant application have been completed. This process has worked very smoothly over the past five years.”

“In addition to providing the grant monies, the Authority will again provide assistance in sourcing the best price for certain grant items,” said Dennis DeMatte, Jr., Cumberland County Recycling Coordinator. “This includes items such as recycling containers, signs, picnic tables, and park benches. By buying these items in bulk, we are able to help the individual groups save money on the purchase and shipping of materials, while, at the same time, creating a common identity for the program. For example, litter containers will all be the same shape and color. This will help residents recognize these items and provide continuity between various projects throughout the County. It also allows us to ensure that the items are made from recycled materials.”

Projects which were selected to receive a 2008 grant include the creation of a picnic area at the Millville Army Air Museum Field, establishment of a community dog park, a community education campaign emphasizing environmental responsibility when caring for animals, the construction of new playground areas, downtown beautification projects, and promoting oyster restoration.

“I was happy to see a number of new groups submit applications this year. I was also pleased with the geographical balance throughout the County of the groups that were selected to receive an Environmental Enhancement Grant,” Wymbs continued. “We also have a nice mix of first time groups and returning groups who continue to submit creative ideas to both provide recreational opportunities and protect and preserve the environment.”

The 2008 Environmental Enhancement Grant recipients include:

Animal Friends Foundation
Bayshore Discovery Project
Bridgeton Renaissance League
Cohanzick Zoological Society
Deerfield Township Recreation Committee
Deerfield Township School PTO
Exchange Club of Bridgeton
Holly City Help Center
In His Presence Worship Center
John Wesley United Methodist Church
Millville Army Air Field Museum
New Jersey Audubon Society
Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory
Sacred Heart Church
South Vineland Fire Company #2
Cumberland County SPCA
Third Ward Advisory Committee
WheatonArts and Cultural Center

“On behalf of the Improvement Authority Board, I would like to congratulate all of the groups who participated this year as well as Director Wymbs and his staff who continue to do an outstanding job with the Enhancement Grant Program and the management of this Authority as a whole,” Kelly concluded.

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For more information about this press release, please contact Dennis DeMatte, Jr. at 856-825-3700.