Lakewood Township received a $163,583 grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection, Commissioner Shawn LaTourette announced.

The money is part of the annual Clean Communities annual grant, which are awarded to municipalities across the state to fund litter removal programs that spruce up communities, improve water quality, reduce localized flooding and protect natural habitats.

The money can be used to conduct cleanups, educate the public and enforce litter-related laws and ordinances.

Funding for the grant program is generated from taxes paid by businesses that produce litter-generating products as well as penalties collected for litter-related violations.

Other Ocean County municipalities which received similar grants include Toms River, ($255,147); Brick, ($191,022); Jackson, ($133,793) and Manchester, ($125,918).