Gloucester supervisors approve resolution to apply for Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for Gloucester Point Beach restroom and pavilion

Gloucester County on Aug. 5 approved a resolution to proceed with applying for a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant to replace the restroom and build a combined restroom/pavilion at Gloucester Point Beach, county staff said.

Matt Barger, the staff presenter, told the board the project would replace an approximately 60‑year‑old restroom building that was first used as an oil storage facility and routinely floods. Barger said the county was recently awarded a $2,400,000 Department of Conservation and Recreation grant for a living shoreline and breakwaters at Gloucester Point, and that the LWCF timing would allow the county to build the new restroom and pavilion after shoreline protections are in place. "If that money didn't get approved and we didn't get that grant, I don't think I would be here tonight doing this one because it wouldn't have been the right timing," Barger told the board.

Barger described the LWCF grant as a 50/50 match program and estimated total project costs "just under $1,500,000," with about $715,000 expected to come from the county as matching funds. He said the application was due Aug. 28, preliminary award notifications were expected in October, and final federal National Park Service approval could follow in spring 2026; the grant would allow a roughly three‑year project timeline if awarded.

Several supervisors and members of the public expressed concern about the required county match. "My biggest heartburn is we don't have the money sitting here available to us," Supervisor Mister Crisco said during deliberations, noting the county's tight budget and other pressing infrastructure needs. Other supervisors said they supported applying now and would address funding decisions if the grant were awarded.

Supervisors approved the resolution on a recorded vote after a motion and second; the roll call showed support from Mister Hudson, Mister Smith, Mister Nikosha and Doctor Worth, and recorded no votes from Mister Crisco and Mister Bezani. The motion carried.

Barger said the county will not obligate local funds until the board decides to accept any award; if the county chooses not to accept a grant award, no county money would be spent. Staff said architects are working on layout plans and the project fits the county capital improvements program for FY27–FY28. The project would demolish the existing building, construct a raised new structure (approximately 6–7 feet above current grade) to reduce flood risk, expand parking and add ADA improvements; the new pavilion would be a rentable shelter replacing the existing pavilion area.

If awarded, staff will return to the board to accept the grant and appropriate the county match as required by the board’s budget process.