NEWS RELEASE
Salem County Board of Chosen Freeholders
94 Market Street. Salem, N.J. 08079
CONTACT: Rita Shade Simpson,
Clerk of the Board/Administrator
August 27, 2002
Salem -- Freeholder Director Dave Sparks said today he appreciates Governor McGreevey’s release of $1.4 million to Salem County for sewer improvements and a regionalized wastewater treatment system, but he urged the governor to forward the remaining $13 million.
"Salem County deserves to receive all of the money it was promised," said Sparks.
The $1.4 million is part of a $15 million grant that was written into the state budget by former Assembly Speaker Jack Collins and approved by the legislature and allocated by the State Treasurer.
"When the governor took office, he froze our money. Obviously, the governor recognizes the hard work the Freeholders have put into developing Gateway Business Park. He values our Smart Growth planning. We urge him to release the remaining $13.6 million to Salem County. "
The regionalized wastewater treatment system would reduce pollution and improve water quality in five municipalities: Carneys Point, Oldmans, Penns Grove, Pilesgrove, and Pennsville. A separate infrastructure plan involves connecting Alloway and Quinton.
The regionalized wastewater treatment system would serve Salem County’s Gateway Business Park, a major economic development project in Oldman’s Township. Upon build-out, Gateway Business Park will create approximately 1,500 new jobs on-site and produce upwards of $34 million and $54 million in new local and County revenue.
The $1.4 million released on Tuesday includes $200,000 for Alloway Township’s infrastructure.
"Alloway was ready to put the shovels into the ground earlier this year when the governor froze Salem County’s grant," said Freeholder Sue Bestwick. "We were extremely disappointed. "We certainly appreciate the $200,000 announced yesterday, Alloway was to receive a $2.5 million in the grant to complete the sewer line."