After receiving advice from experts in the field, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA), which has twice been denied FEMA funding because of its non-profit status, has announced that it will file a third appeal with the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) to obtain funding for boardwalk and beach reconstruction in Ocean Grove, NJ.
The announcement was made just as the community’s “Together” Campaign surpassed its half-way goal to rebuild and repair Ocean Grove’s boardwalk/beachfront and the Great Auditorium, both severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy; and finance long-needed architectural/ structural repairs and improvements to restore historic Thornley Chapel.
“Ocean Grove is the only community on the entire Jersey Shore that has not received FEMA funding, and we believe that the right decision will still be made and funding will ultimately be obtained from FEMA, said OGCMA Interim COO Ralph Del Campo. “As we have stated in the past, OGCMA operates and maintains the beach in Neptune Township and provides the same related municipal services on behalf of Neptune that every other shore community does: life-saving emergency benefits including lifeguards; complete public beach access; and a public thoroughfare that supports emergency services and enables connections to other communities.”
OGCMA President Dr. Dale C. Whilden said: “In 1908, the State of New Jersey declared the boardwalk in Ocean Grove to be a public thoroughfare, and it is also part of the interconnectivity of the economic engine of the Jersey Shore. The boardwalk is an absolutely critical asset to the viability of the Ocean Grove business community and our community residents.”
Faced with the financial challenges of rebuilding, the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association launched its “Together Campaign” on April 6, 2013 with a fund-raising goal of $1.5 million. Together Campaign Committee Chair Rev. David Cotton noted that even with the achievement of the capital campaign goals, federal or state funds will be required to complete the restoration.
The campaign, which enjoys wide community support, has raised donations totaling $784,263 as of July 1st, including $576,481 in unrestricted gifts; $93,116 for the Great Auditorium repairs; $105,854 for the beachfront; and $8,812 for Thornley Chapel. For more information about the Together Campaign, visit www.togetherog.com.
OGCMA has continued to receive strong support from all local, state and federal officials, including Neptune Committeeman Randy Bishop, Neptune Township Mayor Eric Houghtaling, NJ State Senator Jennifer Beck, US Senator Robert Menendez, US Congressman Chris Smith, and Governor Chris Christie.
“We believe that at the end of this lengthy and frustrating appeal process, FEMA will understand the critical challenges and needs we face, and ultimately make the right decision to fund the boardwalk/beach reconstruction,” said OGCMA President Dr. Dale C. Whilden.
President Whilden added: “Hundreds of individual volunteers, community groups, religious organizations, businesses and other supporters stepped forward to enable OGCMA to open our beachfront this season. Now that we’re half-way through the summer, we expect FEMA to reconsider its previous decisions.”
Read Full Post »
