Water
New Jersey on Tuesday suddenly got a new blueprint for managing water resources, after the state’s Department of Environmental Protection surprised everyone by publishing a document that had been in the works for 20 years, NJ Spotlight reports. The timing of the publication of the ‘New Jersey Water Supply Plan’ might seem like an omen if you’re in Atlantic City since the state – at the end of this month – is set to decide the fate of the city’s Municipal Utilities Authority. Yes, we’re that cynical. The blueprint will help value assets, which it says need ‘targeted investment’. Critics slammed the report as ‘flawed’ because it fails to lay out a plan to protect the state’s water supply. Also, separate but related, is this piece that looks at how federal funding cuts might affect the state DEP.
Whitesbog, via @aqvaluq on Instagram.
Dunes
Are you keeping up with the timetable for the Absecon Island dune construction project? Yeah, we don’t blame you. But the latest schedule has Ventnor and Margate bearing the brunt of the construction in June through July and August, Amy Rosenberg reports for The Philadelphia Inquirer. As Margate Mayor Mike Becker said, “It is what it is. Maybe there will be a fourth schedule.”
Hard Rock Plans
The Press of Atlantic City’s Nicholas Huba interviewed Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, about his plans to make the former Taj property into a week-round destination, by bringing acts that he promises will draw crowds even mid-week. Read more here.
In the rest of the news from the last 24 hours, Home Goods in Hamilton Township opens this weekend, Stockton Aviation Park will hold its groundbreaking ceremony later this month, Sweeney is threatening a state government shutdown over school funding, and, if you’re in Camden County, check out this farmers market preview via NJ Pen. All that and more below:
Did Atlantic County’s Refusal to Create a County Police Force Cause PILOT Dispute?–Atlantic County’s fight for its promised share of payments in lieu of taxes from Atlantic City casinos will be heading to court, but some are wondering what could have been done to avoid getting to this point. County Executive Dennis Levinson has maintained there were no specific stipulations for the county to get its 13.5 percent share of the PILOT payments when officials made a deal with the state. Press of Atlantic City
South Jersey Gas to Grant $8 Million Bill Credit–South Jersey Gas customers will be receiving a bill credit for the second time in two years. The South Jersey Industries subsidiary will issue a credit for residential and small commercial customers totaling $8 million due to low wholesale gas costs, according to a news release. Press of Atlantic City
Friday is Tie Day Holds First Tie Ceremony for Atlantic County Students–It was a night of celebration for some young men in Atlantic County as they look towards a future they once might not have been able to imagine. www.snjtoday.com
Van Drew Says He’ll Fight School Aid Cuts to his Districts–The Senate will not act on a state budget for 2017-18 unless a new school-funding plan is in place, state Senate Budget Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo said at a hearing Tuesday on education funding. “The day of reckoning has come,” Sarlo, D-Bergen, Passaic, said at a hearing attended by families representing underfunded districts, including Egg Harbor Township. Press of Atlantic City
Egg Harbor Township Wal-Mart Project to Cause Major Traffic Delays this Month–The new Wal-Mart being built in Egg Harbor Township is expected to tie up Fire Road for the next two weeks. Starting at 7 am Thursday through 7 pm the next day, a full detour will be in effect on Old Egg Harbor Road between Hingston Avenue and Fire Road for work related to the project. Press of Atlantic City
Obie Dziedzic, more than Bruce Springsteen’s No. 1 fan, has died–Obediah “Obie” Dziedzic of Neptune, Bruce Springsteen’s No. 1 fan and a pivotal force behind the Sound of Asbury Park, passed away on Monday, May 1 at Monmouth Medical Center South in Lakewood. Asbury Park Press
New Jersey Lawmakers Join Renewed Effort to Raise Federal Minimum Wage–A debate over the federal minimum wage that appeared to have ended last year as the national election results came in has now been renewed in Washington, D.C., and several lawmakers from New Jersey are among those who are attempting to breathe new life into the issue. www.njspotlight.com
New Jersey to Create Diversion Program to Keep Vets out of Court, Jail–New Jersey will join dozens of other states that seek to divert nonviolent veterans with mental health challenges from the criminal justice system into a network of treatment and support services. www.njspotlight.com
Christie Blocks Dems’ Move to Reveal Tax Returns of Presidential Candidates–If New Jersey is going to require presidential candidates to release their income-tax returns before they can appear on the statewide ballot in 2020, it looks like that change won’t occur until after Gov. Chris Christie leaves office. www.njspotlight.com
Is Jersey’s PR campaign actually fighting the opioid and heroin epidemic?–So far, the heroin death numbers aren't any better than last year's. New Jersey 101.5 – Proud to be New Jersey – New Jersey News Radio
Shore beer distributor locks out workers–A Freehold Township-based beer distributor locked out workers after failing to agree on a new contract. Asbury Park Press