Brick, NJ – Brick Township has been awarded a $1,000,000 matching grant by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program.  The grant money will be used to fund the development of the Trader’s Cove Marina Park on Mantoloking Road.

“We are excited and grateful to have been awarded this matching grant,” said Mayor Stephen Acropolis.  “One million dollars is more than we expected but it shows that the state recognizes the value of this project and the positive impact it is going to have on not only our community, but the Jersey Shore.”

Brick Township received the largest municipal matching grant in the State.  The grant will help fund the development of the site into one of the finest waterfront parks in New Jersey.  Trader’s Cove will provide waterfront access and recreational opportunities to residents and visitors to the community.

“I have always said grants are a win-win for the taxpayers,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “This grant will help us invest in our community’s future while lifting some of the burden off of our taxpayers.”

This grant will bring total Green Acres funding for Trader’s Cove to nearly $5,000,000.  Green Acres has earmarked over $3.7 million for the acquisition of the property.  The Township became eligible for that reimbursement earlier this year when Mayor Acropolis signed a restricted deed preserving the property from residential development forever.

Future plans for the site include a boardwalk/promenade area, an office building, ample parking areas, a kayak/canoe launch, an ADA-accessible playground and a water play area.

Brick Township has received money from Green Acres in the past to help preserve open space and to develop recreational facilities and amenities such as the Drum Point Sports Complex, Bayside Park, Ocean Beach I & III, Sawmill Tract, Frede Park and Arrowhead Park among others.

“We have an outstanding relationship with Green Acres.  They see what we have done with their investments in the past and they know that we will give the people a good return on Green Acres’ money,” said Mayor Acropolis.

Brick Township purchased Trader’s Cove in 2005 to stop potential residential development on the waterfront property.  The Township partnered with Ocean County, the State of New Jersey Green Acres Program and several other entities to purchase the property.

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