Cumberland County Improvement Authority

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 12, 2008

COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED

MILLVILLE, NJ: The Cumberland County Improvement Authority is now accepting applications for the 2009 Environmental Enhancement Grant Program for projects aimed at enhancing the environment and recreational opportunities in Cumberland County. Grants will be awarded to eligible non-profit groups and organizations in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $50,000. Individual allocations will depend on the number of approved applications. The Improvement Authority has budgeted $300,000 for the 2009 Program.

“Preserving and enhancing the environment for future generations through the grant program has been an evolving, collaborative effort of the Improvement Authority and the community,” said Steven R. Wymbs, Improvement Authority Executive Director. “Over the past six years, through this program alone, grant funds, matching funds, volunteer efforts, and various partnerships have put more than three million dollars towards eco-friendly community-based projects.”

The groundbreaking Environmental Enhancement Grant Program has greatly impacted the community’s involvement and environmental awareness. The program invites the creativity of local non-profit groups and organizations, encouraging them to develop projects which enhance not only their organizational mission but the community at large.

Educational programs concerning the concepts and benefits of stewardship and sustainability; enhanced recreational areas including new locations for fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities; new playground equipment, bleachers, benches, and tables constructed with recycled materials; and the restoration of Lake Audrey to healthy Ph levels for public fishing access are just a few of the benefits the community has realized.

Organizations dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment may be eligible to receive funding for projects including anti-litter, recycling, air quality, water quality, solid waste management, watershed management, preservation or conservation campaigns; establishment of outdoor recreation facilities by reclaiming public lands; improving storm water management practices; or the purchase of recycled material for community enhancement and recreational projects. Other creative applications which preserve or improve the environment will also be considered.

“Prior to beginning the application process, we encourage all applicants to schedule a pre-application meeting to review their ideas. Following the initial meeting and the completion of the required paperwork and forms, the grant application can be submitted for approval,” said Cumberland County Recycling Coordinator Dennis DeMatte Jr. “Grant recipients only have one year from the award date to complete the project. To ensure the program’s objectives are achieved, the Improvement Authority staff helps monitor the recipient’s progress while the pledged grant funds are held in escrow. Once the Improvement Authority receives documentation that the pre-approved activities outlined in the grant application have successfully been completed, funds are released to the recipient.”

“The Environmental Enhancement Grant Program has positively impacted the environment and recreational opportunities throughout Cumberland County,” said Deputy Director and Freeholder Co-Liaison Bruce T. Peterson. “The Improvement Authority administration and staff has worked extremely hard to help individual organizations bring their creative concepts to fruition; concepts which engage the local community in a dialogue about environmental education, preservation, and sustainability. The program has also become a model for counties throughout New Jersey to follow. It is another example of the forward thinking approach of the Improvement Authority and their ongoing efforts to establish successful partnerships for the betterment of the entire community.”

The application deadline for the Environmental Enhancement Grant Program for 2009 is April 27, 2008. For more information, please contact the Cumberland County Improvement Authority at 856-825-3700.

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