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Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save MARGATE — A $500,000 federal grant presented to Lucy the Elephant last summer by U.S. Sen.
Cory Booker, D-N.J., has been rescinded by billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, Lucy Executive Director Richard Helfant said Friday.
Booker visited the city in August to announce he had secured the funds to allow the Save Lucy Committee to complete an interior restoration of the attraction. A $2.4 million exterior restoration restored Lucy's cedar frame and gave her a fresh coat of paint.
"All of us at Lucy, as well as Senator Booker, are stunned by the sudden breach of contract, which would've funded most of the cost of our long-planned and much-needed interior restoration, including the installation of a new, state-of-the-art fire suppression system inside Lucy," Helfant said in a statement . Atlantic City casino profits fell by over 9% in 2024; only 2 of 9 properties saw increases Developer says he'll spend over $1B on plans for Claridge and Sands properties in Atlantic City Man's bid to cash in $59,000 in chips from long-gone Playboy casino is rejected 'Mental health hold' keeps Hamilton school threat suspect from first court appearance Barnegat woman dies in Atlantic City Expressway crash Galloway Township to say goodbye to one police chief and welcome another 'This is our moral moment' as protestors cry 'Hands off!' toward Donald Trump, Elon Musk Alleged drunk driver who killed Mays Landing newlyweds in crash released from jail Phil Murphy’s offshore wind blunder cost NJ billions: Robin Shaffer Ocean City police search bridge after report of person jumping off it Vote for this week's Press High School Athlete of the Week Army Corps envisions thousands of raised houses in Cape presentation Girl is killed and her sister is missing after fire destroys Millville homes 11 accused of shoplifting from Brigantine Acme, other stores Atlantic City mozzarella company to be featured on ABC's 'Shark Tank' DOGE was established this year at the start of President Donald Trump's term with the goal of cutting federal spending described as "waste, fraud and abuse," its website states. Lucy is one of the nation’s oldest roadside tourist attractions, having been built around 1881.
Helfant said the organization remains committed to Lucy's continued upkeep and maintenance despite losing the funds. "Our beloved Lucy has always endured and will continue to do so," Helfant said. Contact John O'Connor: 609-272-7261 joconnor@pressofac.
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