By: Sharon Oyuela, Follow South Jersey Intern
SOUTH JERSEY – The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Murphy Administration has awarded $9.4 million in grants to approach the effort of improving pollution from stormwater and water quality, according to a press release from the department.
On July 18th, 2022, DEP awarded the amount to non-profit organizations, local government agencies, and universities. Eleven organizations in South Jersey received part of the grant as well.
The grant was given to address the increase in water pollution which has created a cycle of climate change. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection explains that funding will go towards, “decreasing water pollution, minimizing flooding, and improving water quality.”
The total sum comes from New Jersey Corporation Business Tax, Federal Clean Water Act, Department of Defense Readiness, and Environmental Protection Integration funds.
These grants will reinforce the reduction of current climate change by increasing collaborative effort among DEP partners. Projects funded by these grants are supposed to “reduce the outcomes from nonpoint source pollution caused by stormwater that carries a variety of pollutants into waterways,” NJDEP stated.
South Jersey has received several grants in the past, including $200,414 towards the South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council to develop a watershed restoration and protection plan for the Chestnut Branch Watershed to address water quality. Additionally, the South Jersey Land and Water Trust obtained a $180,196 grant to develop a watershed restoration and protection plan for Oldman’s Creek and Raccoon Creek watersheds. This is supposed to go towards a priority waterway due to damage.
The $9.4 million in grants given by DEP and the Murphy Administration to nonprofits, local government agencies, and universities will help advance various projects across the state that will reduce the actions of climate change.
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