Orsted’s proposed wind farm 15 miles off the New Jersey coast is drawing objections from City Council. (Image courtesy City of Ocean City)
PHILLIPSBURG – The Ocean Wind Pro-NJ Grantor Trust announced Thursday that it awarded $3.9 million to support coastal infrastructure and resiliency projects in seven South Jersey coastal communities.
“Mitigating the effects of tidal flooding, severe weather events and coastal erosion is vital in maintaining quality of life, public safety and public health for our coastal communities,” trust Chairwoman Beverly McCall said in a release.
McCall said the initial response for funding indicates how “desperately” the funds are needed.
“By allocating additional funds to this coastal resiliency round, the Trust if pleased to be able to provide support to ensure that these seven municipalities see their resiliency and mitigation projects to completion – a critical step in increasing our state’s climate resiliency,” McCall said.
Ventnor received $546,003 to replace 500 linear feet of failing bulkhead that protects residences and water infrastructure along Winchester Avenue. The project includes roadway reconstruction, sidewalks and curbs.
Margate received $446,880 to construct a new submersible stormwater pump station at Adams and Amherst avenues, and construct a sewer interconnection from Washington Avenue to an underground vault.
Longport received $368,750 to replace and upgrade stormwater pipes along Winchester Avenue and sections of 34th Avenue. The project includes replacing pumping equipment and constructing a new pump station at 31st Avenue and the bay.
Other municipalities receiving funding are:
- Avalon, $600,000
- Little Egg Harbor Township, $719,250
- North Wildwood, $507,600
- Wildwood, $678,015
All projects in the second round of funding are slated for completion by May 2025.
Ocean Wind 1 established the $15 million trust after the Board of Public Utilities selected Ocean Wind 1 to erect the state’s first offshore wind farm. The trust offers small, women- and minority-owned business support in adapting their business to develop the offshore wind industry.
For more information, see pronjtrust.org.
