Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. announced $547,000 in funding allocated to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The funding will be used to study and combat sea level rise and climate change vulnerability in the Meadowlands.
“These EPA grants will do a great deal in helping the NJSEA’s exceptional scientists and researchers in best preparing the Meadowlands to meet the challenges of sea level rise,” said Pascrell in a press statement announcing the funding.
Joined by State Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-36) and NJSEA President and CEO Vincent Prieto in the announcement, Pascrell noted the funding would also help NJSEA manage long-term land use monitoring.
“I commend the NJSEA’s hard work and leadership in addressing head-on the most significant environmental issues of the day,” said Sarlo.
Meadowlands Projects
The funding was awarded to NJSEA’s Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute (MRRI), and both Pascrell and Sarlo were key supporters of the grant. Plans call to identify marshes in the Meadowlands that have the greatest chance of resilience under future sea level rise.
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“The Meadowlands is a unique urban estuary and its wetlands will play an absolutely crucial role in the region’s fight against sea level rise. Meadowlands marshes are also a significant contributing factor to the area’s environmental comeback, including the return of wildlife and the improvement of natural resources,” said the Congressman.
NJSEA will use the funding to update its knowledge of hydrology and natural resources, and support its Land Use and Stormwater departments. Research will be conducted to balance development and protection of natural resources in the region.
“The NJSEA is a creative leader in studying innovative methods to prepare for and mitigate the effects of sea level rise and climate change. Their research is especially important in a densely populated area,” said Sarlo.
Sawmill Creek Funding
A second grant will help to better understand the Sawmill Creek, a 727-acre Wildlife Management Area in Lyndhurst, North Arlington, and Kearny.
The Sawmill is dominated by a tidal marsh and is a vital resource for both the Meadowlands and the surrounding New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary.
Sawmill has seen significant ecological damage due to man-made causes, and MRRI staff will conduct baseline studies to fill in existing scientific data gaps. Restoration strategies will also be developed for the area.
“Given the multi-faceted benefits that Sawmill provides, ensuring its restoration and preservation is paramount to the Meadowlands and surrounding area,” said Prieto.
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