Maurice River, NJ - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Jane Asselta today announced three Housing Preservation Grant, or HPG, project awards in New Jersey totaling $257,000.
The announcement was made during a visit to Maurice River alongside Mayor Ken Whildin, as the township received a $140,000 grant to support repairs and replacements for residential septic systems.
“We’re pleased to support Mayor Whildin’s goal of assisting the people of Maurice River Township to repair and replace these critical systems,” said Asselta. “The funds we’re providing today will be put to good use and will have lasting economic and social benefits that will allow current and future generations to make a good life right at home in New Jersey.”
In addition to Maurice River, recipients included:
Financial Wellness Inc., which received $67,000 in funding to provide safe and efficient housing for residents within the financial reach of Atlantic, Burlington, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties.
Salem City, which received a $50,000 grant to assist property owners with costs of maintenance, repairs, renovations, and affordability requirements, making it financially feasible to preserve rental properties and maintain affordable rent.
In total, these projects will support more than 20 families across five counties in New Jersey. The HPG program provides grants to sponsor organizations for the repair and rehabilitation of housing owned or occupied by low- and very-low-income rural citizens.
The investments are part of President Biden’s commitment to advance equity for all, including those who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.
This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/nj.
USDA Rural Development funds projects in New Jersey under the leadership of its state office staff located in Mt. Laurel and is supported by offices located in Hackettstown, Columbus, and Vineland. For more information on programs, visit our state website or follow us on social media.