The township was awarded a $5,000 grant for an environmental stewardship project to clear trees and other impediments and provide bank stabilization along the SW Branch of the Rancocas Creek.
The funding came through Atlantic City Electric’s Sustainable Communities Grant program, which provides funding to support open-space preservation, improvements to parks and recreation resources, environmental conservation and innovative community resiliency projects.
The company and its program administrator, Sustainable Jersey, have chosen seven South Jersey municipalities to receive $35,000 in funds; to date, $310,000 has been awarded.
The township’s Environmental Affairs Advisory Committee (EAAC) and Green Team prepared the grant application, to assist in Medford council’s goals for the Rancocas Creek. Bank stabilization is necessary since the Rancocas is an important asset for recreational opportunities like canoeing, kayaking and fishing.
Additionally, since the creek is tidal and has flooded in the past, the removal of blockages will protect the adjoining property owners from potential flooding during severe weather events.
“With these grants, New Jersey communities can prepare for environmental changes by completing projects that build local resilience and provide access to our natural resources,” explained Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. “In partnership with Atlantic City Electric we are creating more resilient communities for current and future generations.”
The Sustainable Communities Grants provide $5,000 for projects focusing on open-space preservation, improvements to parks and recreation resources and environmental conservation. The program also provides $5,000 resiliency grants to support innovative approaches to providing a safe and reliable resource for a community during a weather or other emergency.
This grant will be added to an earlier announced grant of $64,000 from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
