FEMA says NO! The federal agency has rejected the initial $3 million dollar request to repair the severely damaged Ocean Grove boardwalk.

In its decision, FEMA categorized the boardwalk as a recreational facility of the non-profit Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association that owns it.  FEMA’s policy states that recreational facilities of non-profits do not qualify for public assistance. Ralph Del Campo with the association says they plan appealing the decision and says they are exploring other avenues for funding. 

“In spite of this setback we continue as an organization and remain on track to implement a comprehensive beach and boardwalk plan assuming that the funding will be provided.”

DelCampo says they are working closely with other agencies on the federal, state, and local level  and says they plan on being open come memorial day.