WOODBRIDGE – The Department of Environmental Protection awarded $182,134 in annual Clean Communities grants to Woodbridge to help conduct litter cleanups that improve the quality of life in New Jersey’s communities.
Clean Community programs include education and outreach programs at schools, libraries and festivals, creating opportunities for the public to learn about cleanup efforts, according to a statement provided by New Jersey Legislative Democrats.
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex), Senator Joe Vitale (D-Middlesex) and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-Middlesex) released the following statement in support of the funding:
“Clean Communities grants allow us the opportunity to interact directly with our constituents and discuss important quality of life issues. Climate change is having a detrimental impact on our oceans, animals and everyday life, and it is up to us to help bring change to our neighborhoods. Through this program, we can implement beach cleanups, educational programs, reduce litter and cleanup stormwater systems. We thank the Department of Environmental Protection for providing Woodbridge and Middlesex County with this funding.”
Middlesex County received $111,336 through the program. Activities funded by Clean Communities grants include cleanups of stormwater systems that can disperse trash into streams, rivers and bays; volunteer cleanups of public properties; adoption and enforcement of local anti-littering ordinances; beach cleanups; public information and education programs; and purchases of litter collection equipment such as receptacles, recycling bins, anti-litter signs and graffiti removal supplies.