The Preliminary Engineering of the Ocean Drive Upgrades and Bridge Replacement is proceeding on schedule, with anticipated completion of the deliverables, including the Environmental Document, by December 2027. The comprehensive scope of work encompasses Ocean Drive from the base of the Cape May Canal Bridge to the southern border of Wildwood Crest. Cape May County is the process of seeking a total of $225 million in federal transportation grant funding to support the project. To date, the following tasks have been completed or initiated: Roadway Alignment The alignment of the proposed roadway and bridges, as presented in the Preliminary Preferred Alternative, has been verified and is being refined. The general alignment remains unchanged from the concept layout. A roundabout is proposed at the westerly approach to the proposed Middle Thorofare Bridge in lieu of a signalized intersection. A mid-block pedestrian crossing is proposed at the location of the proposed culvert at Lower Thorofare. A raised crosswalk will be designed to calm traffic at this location, as it will provide recreational access for fishing and crabbing. A speed study and traffic counts have been completed, and the design speed of the proposed corridor has been established. A shared-use path will be incorporated into the design and will be located on the north side of Ocean Drive to provide pedestrian and bicycle access along the corridor. The current design effort is focusing on either reinforced earth slope stabilization or retaining walls to retain roadway side slope fill. These measures are necessary to minimize impacts to adjacent wetlands, as the proposed roadway will be approximately four to five feet above the existing roadway elevation. Bridge Design The preliminary design of the bridges is advancing, including the layout of the proposed piers for the Middle Thorofare Bridge. A follow-up Navigation Impact Report (NIR) has been completed and submitted to the United States Coast Guard (USCG), confirming that the proposed 80-foot vertical clearance and 80-foot horizontal clearance of the main span remain valid. Rail bridge lighting was investigated but determined not to be a permitted light source under Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) standards. As a result, pole-mounted lighting will be designed. Utility and Survey Initial utility coordination has been completed, and all utility owners have been contacted. Utility locations have been confirmed through mark-out, survey, and plan review. Several utility companies have expressed interest in expanding or relocating facilities as part of the project. The topographic survey of the project has been completed. Environmental A series of environmental studies and reports have been completed and submitted to regulatory authorities. The Area of Potential Impacts has been defined, and properties of historical significance have been identified. Wetland boundaries have been delineated, and permit submission is pending. A joint field meeting with environmental regulators was held over the summer of 2025, and the project was received favorably by stakeholders. Submission of environmental permits will proceed as part of the Preliminary Engineering phase. The State of New Jersey environmental division will assist with permit coordination on behalf of the County. Public Outreach A meeting was held in October with one of the principal stakeholders along the project route to discuss project impacts. The project was well received, and stakeholder concerns and suggestions were evaluated. It is anticipated that a Public Information Session will be held in 2026 to allow the public to review design progress and provide feedback.

The Cape May County Board of County Commissioners announced additional actions advancing the County’s legal challenge to the State’s NJ PACT/REAL regulations, including approval of a Shared Services Agreement and participation in a multi-county appeal filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division. On February 10, 2026, the Board adopted Resolution No. 107-26 authorizing Cape May County to enter into a Shared Services Agreement with Monmouth County and Ocean County to equitably share litigation costs associated with challenging the NJ Protecting Against Climate Threats (PACT) and Resilient Environments and Landscapes (REAL) regulations. The Resolution reaffirmed the County’s legal position that: • The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection lacks legislative authority to adopt the Rules • The Rules are unreasonable, arbitrary, and capricious • NJDEP failed to comply with the Administrative Procedures Act • The Rules violate the New Jersey Constitution • The Rules conflict with the Fair Housing Act and Mount Laurel Doctrine • Certain requirements constitute a regulatory taking without just compensation Consistent with prior Board action under Resolution No. 600-25, Cape May County formally joined Monmouth County and Ocean County in filing a Notice of Appeal on February 12, 2026, seeking judicial review of the adopted regulations. Basis of the Appeal The counties’ appeal asserts that the NJ PACT/REAL regulations: • Exceed NJDEP’s statutory authority • Were adopted through a process inconsistent with administrative law • Impose regulatory requirements that are arbitrary and unsupported • Create conflicts with constitutionally protected housing obligations • Result in significant economic burdens on residents and local governments Impact on Cape May County The PACT/REAL regulations exceed 1,000 pages and significantly expand regulated flood hazard areas while imposing elevation, design, and development mandates that extend beyond existing federal standards. County officials maintain that the Rules threaten housing production, infrastructure investment, municipal planning, and long-term economic stability across coastal communities. “These actions reflect Cape May County’s continued commitment to protecting our residents, municipalities, and local economy,” said Cape May County Board Director Len Desiderio. “Through our Shared Services Agreement with Monmouth and Ocean Counties, we are ensuring a coordinated and fiscally responsible legal strategy. Together, we are challenging regulations that we believe exceed legal authority, impose significant unfunded mandates, and create serious consequences for housing, infrastructure, and property rights throughout New Jersey’s coastal regions.” Coordinated Regional Effort Cape May County continues to work closely with its partner counties, the New Jersey Association of Counties, and municipal stakeholders as the appeal proceeds through the judicial process. “Monmouth County supports responsible environmental protection, but these rules go far beyond what is reasonable or workable for our communities. The PACT/REAL regulations impose sweeping mandates that would significantly impact homeowners, municipalities, and local businesses without providing the flexibility or clarity needed to adapt effectively,” said Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “Entering into a shared services agreement allows counties and municipalities to work together, share costs, and ensure our collective concerns are fully and fairly addressed. This is about standing up for our residents while advocating for practical, balanced climate policies that recognize local realities.”

At their December 9 meeting, the Cape May County Board of Commissioners reviewed and discussed a revised development plan for County Park East that will significantly reduce overall project costs while still delivering a modern, first-class recreation destination for residents and visitors. The revisions follow the Board’s recent agreement to secure countywide access to the new indoor recreation facility planned at the Cape May County Airport. With indoor capacity to best serve local youth now guaranteed through that partnership, the indoor facility previously proposed for the County Park East project has been removed from the plan, decreasing project costs by approximately $10 million. Commission Director Leonard C. Desiderio said the updated approach reflects innovative government planning and fiscally responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. “The Board made a smart decision for Cape May County taxpayers,” Desiderio said. “By securing access to the Airport’s indoor facility, we avoided duplicating construction efforts and costs at County Park East. Residents will still enjoy top-tier recreation opportunities, and taxpayers will benefit from major savings. It’s a win on every level.” County Administrator Kevin Lare presented the revised project budget and updated schematic plan to the Board at the Tuesday, December 9 Commissioners Caucus meeting. As now envisioned, the County Park East project will proceed in two phases, both submitted under a single CAFRA application. CAFRA review will clarify what future improvements are permissible on the currently undeveloped Lot 7, north of County Park East. The County’s Technical School Athletic Director and several students were also present at the Commissioners Caucus meeting in support of the Park East redesign. PROJECT DESCRIPTION IS AS FOLLOWS: Phase 1 – Lot 8 (Existing Park East Area) Estimated Cost: $12 million Bid Target: Fall 2026 Phase 1 improvements, pending final Board approval, would include: • Regulation-size, multi-purpose synthetic turf field • Two basketball courts • Six pickleball courts • Five tennis courts • Concession facility with storage and restrooms • Playground and spectator viewing area • Half-mile walking path • 122 parking spaces • LED lighting for the turf field and all 13 courts • Site enhancements to the Public Safety Memorial Phase 2 – Lot 7 (Future Development Area) Estimated Cost: $4 million Bid Target: Within five years of CAFRA approval Phase 2 elements would include: • Baseball field • 30 additional parking spaces • Walking path connection between Lot 7 and Lot 8 Vice Director Andrew Bulakowski, who oversees the County Parks and Zoo and also serves on the County’s Recreation Ad Hoc Committee, noted that the revised vision delivers strong value without sacrificing quality. “Our goal is to continually improve and expand recreational opportunities for Cape May County families in the most cost-effective way possible,” Vice Director Bulakowski said. “With this revised redevelopment plan, we’re delivering diverse, inclusive, state-of-the-art recreational facilities while saving millions of taxpayer dollars. That’s exactly the kind of leadership our residents expect and deserve.” Following Tuesday’s action, the County will move to submit the CAFRA application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and advance Phase 1 into final design. Project bid documents are targeted for completion in the fall of 2026. Melillo Bauer and Carman (MBC) will continue as the project’s lead design and planning firm and will work hand-in-hand with County Administration to advance the project through the regulatory approval process. This project, specifically Lot 7 is subject to change based upon environmental permitting.