For Immediate
Release:
January 6, 2026
Monmouth County awarded a Resilient NJ
grant for Shark River Basin and the surrounding area
FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of County
Commissioners is proud to announce that the County and its regional partners
have been awarded a Resilient NJ grant in the amount of $292,773.25 to support
a regional climate resilience planning study for the Shark River Basin, a tidal
estuary where freshwater streams meet the Atlantic Ocean via the Shark River
Inlet.
“Monmouth County is proud to have been selected for
this competitive Resilient NJ grant and to administer it on behalf of our
community partners,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “This
collaborative effort will produce a Shark River Basin Climate Resilience Action
Plan to assess anticipated climate impacts and identify effective strategies to
reduce risk, protect public and private property, and improve environmental
conditions and water quality throughout the Basin.”
The effort will be led by County professionals,
working in close cooperation and coordination with officials from
Avon-by-the-Sea, Belmar, Neptune City, Neptune Township, Wall Township,
American Littoral (ALS), Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute (UCI), and
Shark River Cleanup Coalition, all serving as regional team members. The New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection will provide the regional team with a
consultant to deliver technical assistance throughout the study.
The approximate grant funding will be distributed as
follows:
·
Monmouth County (lead “prime” organization): $100,000
·
Municipal Partners: $25,000 each
·
Community Organizations: $25,000 each
“The Shark River Basin is a vital tidal estuary in
southeastern Monmouth County, spanning multiple municipalities and supporting
diverse ecosystems, waterfront communities, recreational assets, and maritime
industries, making it both an environmental resource and an economic driver,”
said Commissioner Erik Anderson, liaison to the Division of Planning. “This
effort will help reduce flooding and storm damage, protect healthy habitats,
and strengthen fishing, navigation, recreation, and public access, ensuring
long-term coastal preparedness and community resilience.”
For news and alerts from Monmouth County, go
to www.visitmonmouth.com or follow @MonmouthGovNJ on Facebook X and Instagram.
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