Becoming a U.S. Coast Guard Community

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

Cape May County is situated at the southern-most tip of New Jersey, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay. Over the years and especially since Super Storm Sandy, Cape May County has developed a strategic relationship with the U.S. Coast Guard to assist in disasters and provide emergency response through a mutual aid agreement. By tapping into the resources of the Coast Guard, Cape May County had realized tremendous savings through shared services of personnel, equipment and training. Additionally, the Coast Guard Training Center provides local jobs and contributes to the local economy with an economic impact of $141 million annually. The base serves as the only accession point for the entire enlisted workforce and is the fifth largest base in the Coast Guard. In honor of the work of the Coast Guard and in appreciation of the partnership, Cape May County made a commitment to become a designated "Coast Guard Community.” This program has brought awareness of the vital role the Coast Guard plays in the safety and well-being of our residents. In 2014, after several tiers of Coast Guard review, Congress awarded the County the "Coast Guard Community" designation. Cape May County is the second county nationally to receive the honor.