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South Jersey Economic Development District outlines grants, regional projects to Atlantic County commissioners
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Summary
Carrie Italiano, executive director of the South Jersey Economic Development District, told Atlantic County commissioners the district awarded a $25,000 planning grant for the Vineland Athletic Complex, is pursuing a rare four‑county USDOT application (up to $1 million) and continues work on disaster recovery and regional transportation initiatives.
Carrie Italiano, executive director of the South Jersey Economic Development District, told the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners that the district supports federal and community projects across Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem counties and recently awarded a $25,000 planning and technical grant to the Vineland Athletic Complex.
"My name is Carrie Italiano. I am the executive director of the South Jersey Economic Development District," Italiano said as she described the district's role. She summarized the grant rubric used by the district — a 40‑point scale with a 30‑point threshold — and said one applicant scored 32 points and moved to the executive committee, which led to the $25,000 award for preliminary planning and technical specifications.
Italiano also described recent work helping secure a $1,000,000 federal grant toward Wildwood's $4,000,000 boardwalk reconstruction and said the district is assisting local projects ranging from industrial park development to rail freight enhancements and brownfield redevelopment. "We helped get them a $1,000,000 grant, for their boardwalk reconstruction," Italiano said.
On transportation, Italiano described a cooperative four‑county USDOT grant application facilitated by SJEDD and said the district covered application fees with a US EDA planning and technical grant. She said the USDOT has not yet announced awards; SJEDD listed the potential award as up to $1,000,000.
Italiano also recounted a two‑year grant effort to purchase a hydro vacuum for an agricultural cooperative that was recently declined; she said SJEDD plans to appeal the denial. "We just got word last week, and it was declined... we're gonna appeal it," she said.
The presentation emphasized governance and outreach: Italiano said SJEDD's board includes roughly 16 members (about four from each county), a solicitor, CFO and contracted grant writers (Triad Associates), and that SJEDD recently updated its comprehensive economic development strategy and website to provide a one‑stop resource for regional economic development.
The board thanked Italiano for the briefing; Chair noted SJEDD's improved financial position and the county's pride in supporting regional projects. Commissioners and the executive director discussed potential rail line opportunities and film‑industry certification as part of efforts to attract visitors and investment.
The board did not take formal action on the presentation; Italiano left business cards with the clerk and said SJEDD stands ready to provide letters of support and technical assistance to county projects.
