Ocean Grove boardwalk. July, 2008. Paul Goldfinger photo
Saturday, June 1, 2013. 12:15 p.m. Blogfinger received word shortly after noon today from the OGCMA about the denial.
Dr. Dale Whilden, President of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association said, in an email to BF, “We just received official and very disappointing word this morning from FEMA denying our appeal. The Asbury Park Press learned of this prior to our being contacted by either FEMA or elected officials and ran the article you may have seen in the paper today.” (see below for APP link)
Camp Meeting Association Issues Press Release:
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, “Deeply Disappointed” in FEMA Denial,
Vows to Continue Seeking Funding for Recovery Efforts
(Saturday June 1, 2013) The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) has learned from elected officials that OGCMA’s appeal for boardwalk/beach repairs has been rejected by FEMA, and has vowed to continue seeking funding for recovery efforts.
“We continue to remain committed to rebuilding our boardwalk and beachfront, and anticipate, that at the end of the process, funding will be obtained, based on the services we provide and the urgent needs of our community,” said OGCMA Interim COO Ralph Del Campo.
Because OGCMA is a non-profit organization, FEMA funding regulations differ from those for municipalities. The Camp Meeting has argued that it provides the same municipal services on the beachfront that every other town does: life-saving emergency benefits including lifeguards; complete public beach access; and a public thoroughfare that supports emergency services and connects to other communities.
Under FEMA guidelines, municipalities can be reimbursed for repairs to recreational facilities, but non-profit organizations cannot. However, a secondary appeal as permitted by FEMA is being evaluated by OGCMA as well as elected officials.
OGCMA continues to receive 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. On Tuesday, May 28, the Governor visited Ocean Grove and reiterated his support.
“We are deeply disappointed in FEMA’s rejection of our appeal,” said OGCMA President Dr. Dale C. Whilden. “Throughout this lengthy and frustrating appeal process, hundreds of individual volunteers, community groups, religious organizations, businesses and other supporters stepped forward to enable OGCMA to open its beachfront on Memorial Day weekend. We are incredibly grateful to all of our supporters. Through our TOGETHER Campaign as well as all other available means, we will continue our recovery efforts and welcome families and visitors to our shorefront this summer, as we have for over 140 years.”
Editor’s Note: In the APP article, you will find quotes by State Senator Beck and by Neptune Councilwoman Mary Beth Jahn. Mention was made of a possible second appeal. It should also be noted that the CMA is prepared to seek other sources of financial help and that the Trustees of the CMA have already given or pledged over $600,000, but much more money will be needed.
Asbury Park Press link: Asbury Park Press article about the FEMA appeal denial
Special Community Leaders meeting announced for Tuesday, June 4 at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Room. Those invited will receive emails about this event.
—Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger