$500 litter abatement grants are available for creative projects.

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – The Atlantic County Clean Communities Program, administered by Atlantic County Utilities Authority, is seeking creative litter abatement ideas for its first ever $500 grant competition. The submission deadline is Oct. 1.

“Litter is not just ugly, but it’s hazardous to the health and well-being of Atlantic County residents, visitors and wildlife,” Atlantic County Clean Communities Coordinator Rebecca Turygan said. “We are excited to kick off this grant program and offer a new opportunity for our community to become engaged in this issue.”

The grant application is open to schools, organizations, groups and individuals seeking to prevent litter in Atlantic County. Because the Atlantic County Clean Communities program already funds hundreds of roadway, school, park and community cleanups each year, the grant will not cover these efforts. It is specifically seeking other creative ideas for tackling this challenge. Examples include, but are not limited to using educational campaigns, artwork, technology or other means to bring attention to and help prevent litter in our community.

Since ACUA began administering the program in 2005, 60 percent of Atlantic County roadways have been adopted. In 2018 alone, 411 cleanups were held, 2,215 bags of litter and recycling were removed from local roadways, and 464 miles were cleaned.

For more information on the Atlantic County Clean Communities grant competition, please visit www.acua.com/littergrant.

Categories: Downbeach

Nanette LoBiondo Galloway

Award winning journalist covering news, events and people of Atlantic County for more than 20 years.