GRANT FUNDING

The Administrator/Deputy Clerk is responsible for obtaining grants for Commercial Township. In 2007, over $987,000 in grant dollars were awarded to Commercial Township that included funding for Battle Lane sidewalks and lighting, Economic Development for repaving Shell Road and low interest loans for businesses and funding to construct a new bulkhead for the Marine Police and public wharf in Shellpile. This funding comes from State agencies where the Township must compete for funding from other municipalities. Thousands of grant dollars have flowed to Commercial Township and has saved the taxpayers thousands of dollars in infrastructure improvements.

Another popular grant funding project is Bayshore Housing Funds. The Townships of Commercial and Maurice River combine their services to obtain this funding for the reconstruction of home units for low to moderate income residents. This funding is expended quickly because of the wide need of residents who need home improvements. There is a lien that is placed on the property and should the resident sell, part of the grant funding goes toward a trust fund to help other residents in need. This grant program is applied for every two years.

There are several grants that the engineer applies for through the NJ Department of Transportation. Most municipalities receive annual funding for road projects and drainage. Commercial Township has been fortunate to receive approximately $140,000 annually to pave roadways in the Township.

Clean communities funding is another popular funding project. The Township receives approximately $9000 per year to assist civic groups to pick up litter and earn funding for their time. Entrance signs have been purchased for the municipality.