Press Releases

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that he successfully secured significant federal funding for key South Jersey projects through H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and the Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026, delivering direct investments to improve the district. 

"These projects will make a big impact in our communities, whether that is safer drinking water, more reliable infrastructure, better shoreline protection, or added support for public safety," said Congressman Van Drew. "Every one of these projects matters, and I am proud to have fought to get each of them funded. South Jersey deserves investments like this, and I will keep working to make sure our tax dollars come back home and are used in ways that make a difference for the people who live here." 

Projects Receiving Funding:

Maurice River and Salem River, $1,000,000 ($500,000 each)- Historic "New Start" funding to study increasing the depth of the Maurice River and Salem River. This dredging will unlock new opportunities in South Jersey for commercial shipping, ship repair, and environmental restoration through the beneficial use of dredged materials.

HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers, $500,000- Supports a national expansion of the South Jersey-based HERO Campaign's designated-driver/traffic safety programming.

National Aviation Research and Technology Park (NARTP) Advanced Aviation Testing Corridor, $2,100,000- Establishes a civilian/military drone testing corridor in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, NASA, and the FAA to improve our ability to detect and manage drones in national airspace.

Swedesboro Lead Pipe Abatement, $1,000,000- Replaces lead pipes and improves drinking water safety in the Borough of Swedesboro in support of their objective to be "lead free".

Cape May Desalination Plant, $500,000- Brings in the United States Army Corps of Engineers to support the construction of a water desalination plant which serves Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, Cape May City, Cape May Point, West Cape May, and part of Lower Township.

Gandy's Beach, $600,000- Funds an Army Corps investigation to design shore protection features at Gandy's Beach in Cumberland County, which suffered a disaster in early 2024.

Long Beach Township Sewer Main Replacement, $750,000- Funds replacement of aging sewer main infrastructure to reduce failures/overflows and improve service reliability.