STAFFORD – Several major infrastructure and environmental resiliency initiatives will advance after millions of dollars in state and federal grant funding were secured, Mayor Robert Henken announced during a recent Township Council meeting.
The township will receive $5 million from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to support the Stafford Resiliency Program, a large-scale environmental restoration effort aimed at protecting coastal communities. The project will restore approximately 23 acres of tidal salt marsh, helping to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and storm surge while improving water quality.
“These marshes help protect Beach Haven West and surrounding communities through wave attenuation and natural water filtration,” Henken said.
Township Administrator Matt Von der Hayden said the initiative builds on earlier restoration work already completed along the township’s shoreline. The next phase will focus on expanding marsh restoration further inland to strengthen storm protection and enhance the local ecosystem. Dredging work is expected to begin in July, when the official season opens, and continue through December.
In addition to resiliency efforts, Stafford Township secured $815,000 from the New Jersey Department of Transportation through the Transportation Alternative Set-Aside Program to fund streetscape improvements along East Bay Avenue. The project is designed to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety while supporting local economic activity.
“The goal is to create a safer corridor for walking and biking along East Bay Avenue while also encouraging economic development,” Henken said.
The township also received $2 million through the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank’s Principal Forgiveness Program to support sewer system improvements, along with more than $400,000 for a BioSwale project aimed at improving stormwater management. Von der Hayden noted that township staff works closely with engineers and technical experts to ensure each project meets regulatory and design standards.
Additional grant funding includes $30,000 for recycling outreach, $5,000 for a township tide gauge, $2,000 from the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Coalition, $130,000 through the Resilient Stafford initiative, and $61,000 for body-worn cameras for the police department. Henken also highlighted $2.7 million in American Rescue Plan funding supporting infrastructure improvements, noting that $2 million in loan costs were waived through the NJ Infrastructure Bank and the DEP to help move the project forward.
Looking ahead, Henken said the funding helps Stafford Township continue making long-term investments that benefit residents.
“I look forward to doing more and continuing to make Stafford Township a great place to live,” he said.
