The Christie Administration is making $60 million in competitive grants available for projects along the Lower Passaic River and associated tributaries and the Newark Bay Complex that will improve public access to these waterways and result in restoration of wetlands.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is earmarking $50 million for projects that create or improve public access in the Newark Bay Complex and another $10 million for projects that create or enhance freshwater wetlands and improve public access on the Lower Passaic River or its tributaries below Dundee Dam at Garfield.
Eligible entities for the $50 million public access projects in Newark Bay Complex include county and local governments, municipal utilities authorities, economic development agencies and redevelopment authorities. Applications must be submitted within 45 days. The minimum award for any project is $500,000. The maximum award is $25 million.
The maximum grant to be awarded for the $10 million wetlands restoration grant program for the Lower Passaic and its tributaries is $3 million. The minimum award is $500,000. Applications must be submitted within 60 days.