Edgewater Park, NJ, October 31, 2023 - Today, USDA Rural Development State Director Jane Asselta welcomed U.S. Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) for a groundbreaking event to announce grant and loan awards for the township of Edgewater Park. More than $13 million in funding was awarded to the township for the construction of a public safety building and a community center through Rural Development’s Community Facilities programs.
“The needs of rural New Jersey communities are our priority, and these Edgewater Park projects demonstrate our ability to assist towns buy, build or repair facilities that are an essential part of the social fabric of any community,” said Asselta. “Expanding access to essential civic resources drives economic growth, strengthens community ties, and showcases our continued collaboration with local and state representatives – the result is for small towns to thrive.”
Congressman Kim delivered the announcements on the project construction site, where he was joined by representatives from Senator Cory Booker’s office, Edgewater Park Mayor Michael Trainor, and USDA Rural Development leadership. The projects – financed by the Community Facilities Program, which is designed to provide affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas – will serve more than 8,000 Edgewater Park residents.
Public Safety Building
USDA RD funded the Public Safety Building through a $4,400,000 grant and $6,140,000 loan to fulfill the township's growing demands to accommodate Edgewater’s public safety and civic administration needs. The civic administration section of the building will feature a covered arcade main entrance opening into a welcoming lobby where patrons can traverse to several areas: court reception, law enforcement, complaint intake, a dedicated court room, and a large seminar training room. The building will also house the law enforcement department, a judge's chamber, and a separate emergency management services suite.
Community Center
USDA RD funded the community center, through a $3,098,000 loan, that will contain a commercial kitchen to host cooking classes and house the community's nutritional program. The center will also contain two restrooms with American with Disabilities Act compliant shower rooms for residents and features a large community room designed to hold 100 persons for community events.
USDA Rural Development funds projects in New Jersey under the leadership of its state office staff located in Mt. Laurel and is supported by offices located in Hackettstown, Columbus, and Vineland. For more information on programs, visit our state website or follow us on social media.