Hunterdon County Commissioners announce $1M Municipal Park and Recreational Grant Program
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – The Hunterdon County Commissioners recently approved a resolution allocating $1 million dollars from the Open Space Trust Fund for the creation of a Municipal Park and Recreational Grant Program.
The grant program received the endorsement of the Hunterdon County Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee.
The commissioners believe that investing in open space and farmland preservation is essential to maintaining the county’s high quality of life and want to support municipal partners in improving local parks and recreational opportunities within their jurisdiction.
“It has always been the goal of this Board to support the preservation of open space in Hunterdon County, as is evident through the over 36,000 acres of preserved farmland and open space in our county. Land preservation plays a crucial role in safeguarding our environment and local heritage. Additionally, it contributes to our residents’ high quality of life by providing accessible parks, green spaces and natural areas that foster community connections,” Commissioner Director Jeff Kuhl said.
The application for this municipal grant program is currently open and will close on Sept. 20 at 4:30 p.m.
“I can speak for the entire Board when I say that we are excited to offer this new grant program to our local officials. Through partnerships at the local level, we can accomplish so much more for our taxpayers,” Deputy Director Susan Soloway said.
Grant funding awards vary from $50,000.00 to $150,000.00. Applicants are required to contribute 25% of the total project cost; this can be done through utilizing matching funds from private donations, municipal contributions, the State of New Jersey, or federal government sources as part of the Open Space Grant Fund program.
Anyone with questions about the grant program should contact Bill Millette, Open Space Coordinator with the Hunterdon County Department of Planning & Land Use at wmillette@co.hunterdon.nj.us.
