Senator Kim Hears from Veterans, Visits Coast Guard and Small Businesses in Tour of Cape May County
CAPE MAY COUNTY, NJ – This weekend, Senator Kim (D-NJ) traveled down the shore to Cape May. He heard from small business owners and veterans, discussed upgrading historic Cape May infrastructure and museums, and toured the Cape May Coast Guard Training Center, the 5 th largest Coast Guard base in the country and the basic training site of all its enlisted Guardsmen. “Our shore has so much to offer, from local businesses serving great food, to beaches and historic sites, to our Coast Guard Training Center,” said Senator Andy Kim . “From Avalon to Cape May, this visit highlighted why we must invest in every corner of the state and support those who make these shore communities run year-round.” Senator Kim started his morning with a special edition of his Diner Talk series, where he spoke with veterans on healthcare, the reality of their daily life as veterans living in Cape May, and the federal government support they need and deserve. He then traveled to Avalon to speak with small business owners from Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, Ferguson Dechert Real Estate, and Avalon Coffee and Bagel. Joined by Mayor John McCorristin, Avalon Borough Council President, Greg “Chet” Johnson, and Avalon Borough’s Business Administrator Scott Wahl, Senator Kim heard about the impacts of tariffs and inflation on these businesses and the importance of the tourist season for their year-round success. After, Senator Kim toured the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center (CGTC), a pillar of the Cape May community, and the first stop for all recruits in the Coast Guard. Throughout the tour, Senator Kim spoke with leadership about how they will utilize the $400 million in funding the CGTC recently received and heard from recruits and Cadets about their experience and commitment to serving this country. He then hopped on a trolley with Cape May Museum, Arts, and Culture (Cape May MAC) staff to visit key cultural and historic sites including the Cape May Light House, a guiding beacon along the East Coast which Senator Kim has requested $500,000 for needed upgrades and repairs in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for the upcoming year. During the trolley ride, they discussed the importance of maintaining vital infrastructure and preserving historical sites. “The importance of our government officials on all levels working together and recognizing the cultural and economic importance of Cape May – specifically the significant way that Cape May MAC has contributed to that for 56 years – is always a welcomed sign,” said Jody Alessandrine, Executive Director, Cape May MAC. “Cape May consistently attracts visitors year-round, enabling there to be a 12-month economy. That is not only because we’re our nation’s first seaside resort and the only National Historic Landmark City, but because, collectively, we’ve figured out how to make government work for the good of both residents and visitors.” Senator Kim finished his day by visiting the Harriet Tubman Museum to see their 250 th Anniversary programming , which was made possible in-part by $1 million in funding that Senator Kim secured for them in 2026’s federal funding requests. ###
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CAPE MAY COUNTY, NJ – This weekend, Senator Kim (D-NJ) traveled down the shore to Cape May. He heard from small business owners and veterans, discussed upgrading historic Cape May infrastructure and museums, and toured the Cape May Coast Guard Training Center, the 5 th largest Coast Guard base in the country and the basic training site of all its enlisted Guardsmen. “Our shore has so much to offer, from local businesses serving great food, to beaches and historic sites, to our Coast Guard Training Center,” said Senator Andy Kim . “From Avalon to Cape May, this visit highlighted why we must invest in every corner of the state and support those who make these shore communities run year-round.” Senator Kim started his morning with a special edition of his Diner Talk series, where he spoke with veterans on healthcare, the reality of their daily life as veterans living in Cape May, and the federal government support they need and deserve. He then traveled to Avalon to speak with small business owners from Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, Ferguson Dechert Real Estate, and Avalon Coffee and Bagel. Joined by Mayor John McCorristin, Avalon Borough Council President, Greg “Chet” Johnson, and Avalon Borough’s Business Administrator Scott Wahl, Senator Kim heard about the impacts of tariffs and inflation on these businesses and the importance of the tourist season for their year-round success. After, Senator Kim toured the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center (CGTC), a pillar of the Cape May community, and the first stop for all recruits looking to join the Coast Guard. Throughout the tour, Senator Kim spoke with leadership about how they will utilize the $400 million in funding the CGTC recently received and heard from recruits and Cadets about their experience and commitment to serving this country. He then hopped on a trolley with Cape May Museum, Arts, and Culture (Cape May MAC) staff to visit key cultural and historic sites including the Cape May Light House, a guiding beacon along the East Coast which Senator Kim has requested $500,000 for needed upgrades and repairs in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for the upcoming year. During the trolley ride, they discussed the importance of maintaining vital infrastructure and preserving historical sites. “The importance of our government officials on all levels working together and recognizing the cultural and economic importance of Cape May – specifically the significant way that Cape May MAC has contributed to that for 56 years – is always a welcomed sign,” said Jody Alessandrine, Executive Director, Cape May MAC. “Cape May consistently attracts visitors year-round, enabling there to be a 12-month economy. That is not only because we’re our nation’s first seaside resort and the only National Historic Landmark City, but because, collectively, we’ve figured out how to make government work for the good of both residents and visitors.” Senator Kim finished his day by visiting the Harriet Tubman Museum to see their 250 th Anniversary programming , which was made possible in-part by $1 million in funding that Senator Kim secured for them in 2026’s federal funding requests. ###
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