From Pollinator Gardens to Emergency Preparedness, Atlantic City Electric Grants Support Local Communities

Helping customers live in healthier, more sustainable communities is at the heart of this program. Since its launch, Atlantic City Electric has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in local projects that protect the environment and help communities become more resilient.

This year's grant recipients include:

• Buena Borough ($5,000) - The grant will support two portable emergency preparedness kits with battery power stations, solar charging equipment, emergency lighting and weather radios. The project will also prioritize emergency communication and preparedness outreach for seniors and other vulnerable residents.

• Cape May City ($5,000) - Three new digital water-level monitoring stations will create a five-station network serving Cape May City, West Cape May and Cape May Point. Real-time flood data will help officials and emergency responders protect public safety and manage critical access routes during severe weather.

• Clayton Borough ($5,000) - An expansion of the community garden at Autumn Pasquale Memorial Park will include infrastructure improvements and educational programming on growing food, native plants, pollinators and healthy eating. The project will increase opportunities for sustainable gardening and access to fresh produce.

• East Greenwich Township ($5,000) - Restoration of the pond bank at Mickleton Park will involve removing invasive species and planting native trees, shrubs and other vegetation. The project will help protect water quality, improve wildlife habitat, and support recreation and environmental education.

• Elmer Borough ($5,000) - Grant support will help install an outdoor pavilion at Apple Orchard Park, providing a sheltered gathering space for residents, local organizations and community events. The project will expand recreational amenities for Elmer and surrounding rural communities.

• Folsom Borough ($5,000) - To maintain essential municipal services during severe weather and power outages, the borough will use the grant to help purchase and install an emergency backup generator at Borough Hall. The generator will support emergency response coordination, public communications, and continuity of government operations.

• Mantua Township ($5,000) - An accessible walking path, seating and landscaping featuring native plants and pollinator-friendly flowers will revitalize the butterfly garden. The improvements will enhance pollinator habitat and create a more inviting space for recreation and environmental education.

• Somers Point City ($5,000) - The existing pollinator garden will more than triple in size, with diverse native plantings, pedestrian pathways and educational signage. The expanded garden will support pollinators and local biodiversity while demonstrating the benefits of sustainable landscaping.

• Upper Township ($5,000) - Funding will support an ADA-compliant, roll-up beach walkway at a public access point in Strathmere, improving beach access for residents and visitors of all abilities. The designated walkway will also help protect sensitive dunes and vegetation by reducing erosion from pedestrian traffic.

• Wenonah Borough ($5,000) - Rehabilitation of the 251-foot Eldridge Trail boardwalk near Monongahela Brook will replace deteriorating materials to restore safe pedestrian access through the wetlands. The project will also manage invasive species to improve biodiversity and protect the trail corridor's ecological health.

"These projects demonstrate how local leadership and strong partnerships can make a lasting difference in our communities," said Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. "We're proud to partner with Atlantic City Electric to support projects that residents can see, use and benefit from-from improved public spaces and protected natural habitats to better emergency preparedness. These investments will make our communities healthier and more resilient."

The Sustainable Communities Grant Program supports local efforts that improve environmental health, strengthen neighborhood resilience, and create lasting community benefits. Through partnerships with organizations like Sustainable Jersey, Atlantic City Electric continues investing in projects that address environmental challenges while enhancing the places where customers and employees live and work.

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