CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ – This May, Commissioner Director Len Desiderio is making his rounds to public meetings of the local governing bodies of Cape May County to announce $6.4 million in subrecipient grant awards to all County municipalities. 

On Friday May 5, Commissioner Director Desiderio presented the first $400,000 grant to the governing body of West Wildwood, followed by presentations to the governing bodies in Dennis Township on Tuesday May 9, in Wildwood Crest and Avalon on Wednesday May 10, Lower and Middle Townships on Monday May 15, and North Wildwood, Stone Harbor and Cape May on Tuesday May 16. 

The $400,000 per municipality are to be used for priority drinking water, storm water, and sanitary sewer infrastructure projects in each of the 16 municipalities of Cape May County. 

“Coming in as the new Director, it was a goal of mine to establish closer relationships with each of the municipalities of the County, which encouraged me to implement quarterly Mayors Roundtables with the Mayors to discuss shared issues in our local communities. The first Mayors Roundtable included the announcement of this first of its kind grant opportunity for the County, touching each of our 16 municipalities at once. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues on the Board of Commissioners that understand the critical needs of each of our 

towns to make storm sewer, sanitary sewer and drinking water improvements for the health and safety of our residents”, said Commissioner Director Desiderio.

Funding for the County’s municipal infrastructure grant program came from the Federal Government’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021.  The provisions of the grant funding issued by the Federal Department of Treasury allows for the funds to be spent on storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and drinking water improvements. 

Working together for the betterment of our residents and visitors enhances the quality of life in Cape May County, and that is a good feeling.  I look forward to visiting the rest of our towns and presenting them with their grant award”, added Desiderio.