Signed Into Law: Rep. Sherrill Secures Funding for Ten NJ-11 Community Projects To Address Mental Health, Childcare, Affordable Housing, the Environment, and Public Safety

Washington, DC – Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement after she secured funding for all ten Community Projects she submitted on behalf of NJ-11 in the House Appropriations Committee Fiscal Year 2022 bill, which was signed into law today:

"I am proud to have led the efforts in the House to cut through bureaucratic red tape and secure funding for projects that will have a direct impact on our community," said Rep Sherrill. "Passage of this bill will empower our local NJ-11 communities in their fight to address mental health support, clean water, pedestrian safety, and affordability of housing and childcare. These projects will strengthen our local economy, make our community safer, and improve the quality of life for North Jersey families. I want to thank all of our mayors, organizations, local governments, and community leaders in NJ-11 who these submitted projects that will make our communities an even better place to live."

"Congresswoman Sherrill's leadership on suicide prevention is inspiring and reassuring. It is wonderful to know that individuals and their families struggling with mental health issues have a voice in Washington. This grant is a wise investment in the people of New Jersey, especially as we rebound from the pandemic. It will make a difference, allowing MHA to provide education throughout the district about suicide prevention and raise awareness about the importance of mental health," said Bob Davison, CEO of the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris.

"Morris Habitat is overjoyed by the news that we will be able to complete our projects in Randolph and with that change the lives of 25 families. We recently had to stop construction on part of this project due to lack of funding so this legislation could not have come at a better time," said Blair Wilson, CEO of Morris Habitat for Humanity. "Home ownership is the cornerstone of the American Dream. We are proud to be able to provide affordable housing so that families can put down roots here in Morris County, send their kids to great schools, and live that dream. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill has always been a great friend to Morris Habitat and, on behalf of the entire organization, I want to thank her for her advocacy that made this possible."

"We are so grateful for Congresswoman Sherrill's commitment to addressing the child care crisis that existed in this country long before the pandemic brought it into the spotlight," said United Way of Northern New Jersey CEO Kiran Handa Gaudioso. "This infusion of funding will deliver critical resources to financially strapped families and struggling child care providers in northern New Jersey."

"When we detected PFAS in our water here in Hopatcong almost two years ago, I wrote to the Congresswoman asking for federal financial assistance. The water customers could not afford the projected costs for both capital construction improvements on top of the annual O&M costs that would be incurred going forward. Congresswoman Sherrill promised me she would help our small town to the best of her ability and she held true to her word as she always does. The Borough of Hopatcong will receive $800,000 dollars to address the PFAS contamination in our municipal wells. I want to extend my heartfelt thank you to her for her hard work that helped Hopatcong get the urgently needed funds to help supply our residents with clean drinking water," said Hopatcong Mayor Michael Francis.

"I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the residents of Morris Plains and myself to thank our Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill for the funding for better connectivity of over 400 residents of Foxwood and Davenport Village for safe pedestrian access to NJ transit and Public transportation as a walking or bicycling option to our center of town and other walking trail options. This new enhanced pedestrian corridor was part of Morris Plains 2018 Master Plan reexamination report and is also supported by the Morris County circulation element of the Morris County Master Plan. The over one hundred thirty-thousand-dollar project will include new sidewalks, crosswalks, intersection improvements and traffic signal optimization. This project is close to being shovel ready. We appreciate our Congresswoman for bringing these funds back to our district and to Morris Plains. Many people will be able to utilize and enjoy these improvements," said Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr.

"This funding for lighting the Totowa PAL fields will complement our artificial turf field complex and allow these recreation spaces to be used in the evening for sports and other community events. It has never been more clear how important these outdoor gathering and recreation areas are for the physical and mental health of our residents and we are thrilled to be able to expand their use. Thank you to Congresswoman Sherrill for securing this funding and for staying committed to getting this done as these community projects worked their way through Congress," said Totowa Mayor John Coiro.

"With this funding for our expansion project, Degnan's Park will be an incredible resource to the West Orange community, especially for our senior citizens. Enhancing the park's ADA accessibility and installing recreation equipment for low impact fitness will offer residents a great place to stay active and decrease loneliness in our town. Thank you Congresswoman Sherrill for your support of West Orange and for fighting for this project to become a reality," said West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi.

"The Borough of Stanhope is excited to hear our grant request for water system improvements was granted. This grant will allow the Borough to replace aging under-sized water mains that will not only improve water quality but will provide much needed water flow for fire protection. As an older community with many residents on fixed income, making such improvements on a limited budget is very challenging. We thank Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill for her assistance in securing the funds for such a much needed worthwhile project for our community," said Stanhope Mayor Patricia Zdichocki.

"Our administration has made major plans to invest in the future of our township by executing critical infrastructure projects, such as replacing all lead service lines in Bloomfield. With this funding secured by Congresswoman Sherrill, we will take a major step forward in meeting our goal. We will be replacing lead service lines and customer water meters for 30 homes along Main Terrace, improving the water quality for these residents. Thank you Congresswoman Sherrill for your work to make this project possible," said Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia.

"The federal funding of the Peckman River Flood Mitigation project is remarkable! This is a long term and permanent solution that will provide so many residents of Little Falls the relief that they deserve," said Little Falls Mayor James Damiano. "No longer will the residents in the Jackson Park section of town need to live in fear that their homes, their belongings, or their lives are in danger from the Peckman River. Since I was elected five years ago, so many long-time residents of Little Falls told me this project would never happen after seeing almost 25 years worth of studies. Now, this project is a reality, and I can't thank Congresswoman Sherrill and her staff enough for their tireless work with us to make this a reality."

"This funding for the Peckman River flood mitigation project is unprecedented. The full-funding of this project will save lives and property once complete. Too many times our residents have been devastated by flash flooding from the Peckman River - not only taking a financial toll, but an emotional toll each and every time it happens,"said Woodland Park Mayor Keith Kazmark. "This has been a priority since 1999, after Hurricane Floyd. A man lost his life due to flash flooding from the Peckman and just last year we lost another life, almost exactly 22 years later. We need to get this done before we see any more loss. Our community owes Rep. Sherrill a great debt of gratitude for committing to helping our towns from the day she took office with this effort and not only getting Congressional authorization, but securing the funding to make it a reality."

This legislation has been passed by the House and Senate as well as signed into law by the President.

To meet urgent needs across the United States, the House Appropriations Committee invited Members of Congress to request funding for projects in their communities. Rep. Sherrill championed funding for these ten projects that will directly benefit NJ-11 residents. These include:

• $255,000 for lead service line replacement in Bloomfield Township
• $800,000 to address PFAS contamination in Hopatcong
• $300,000 for Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris' suicide prevention program
• $3,000,000 for Morris Habitat for Humanity's 42 Bennett Ave project in Randolph
• $136,330 for pedestrian safety improvements in Morris Plains
• $146,200,000 for flood mitigation for Peckman River via Emergency Supplemental
• $677,000 for water main replacement in Stanhope
• $649,000 for recreational lighting at the PAL fields in Totowa
• $1,100,000 to United Way of Northern New Jersey's United in Care childcare program
• $250,000 for Degnan Park improvements in West Orange

Rep. Sherrill was also proud to vote for and support these five additional projects, bringing direct funding to NJ-11, submitted by her fellow Members and Senators:

• $775,000 for Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine in Nutley
• $400,000 for a traveling HAB Laboratory Education Program at Montclair State University
• $250,000 for a wastewater treatment project in Sparta
• $300,000 for hazard mitigation improvements in North Caldwell
• $450,000 for the Office of Small Business Advocacy in Montclair Township

Rep. Sherrill submitted the following Community Projects to the House Appropriations Committee, which, as a result of her advocacy, received final approval and were funded through the FY22 appropriations bills. (Listed in alphabetical order):

Bloomfield Township Lead Service Line Replacement Program

Amount Approved: $255,000

The funding will be used for the replacement of lead service lines and customer water meters to improve water quality and promote public health and safety in the community. This project will replace 30 lines along Main Terrace, an area home to traditionally underserved populations who may not have the financial means to upgrade their water system.

Hopatcong PFAS Water System Upgrade Phase 1

Amount Approved: $800,000

The funding will be used for the installation of above ground vessels containing either granular activated carbon or ion exchange materials at the location of water wells with elevated PFAS levels. The well water will filter through these vessels prior to discharge to the Borough potable water distribution system.

Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris's Suicide Prevention Services

Amount Approved: $300,000

The funding will be used for Suicide Prevention Services, which are designed to provide specific presentations on suicide prevention for schools. These services can also be provided to the greater community, including parents, family members, houses of worship, and colleges. The services will be provided in Essex, Morris, Passaic, and Sussex Counties. The project will include a media campaign to increase awareness regarding mental health with information on how and where to find help.

Morris Habitat for Humanity, 42 Bennett Avenue-Randolph

Amount Approved: $3,000,000

The funding will be used for the construction of twenty-five affordable homes and a community room at 42 Bennett Avenue, Randolph, NJ. The 2.5-acre property is currently owned by Randolph Township and will be sold to Morris Habitat for $1.00. The township will be responsible for environmental remediation, demolition of existing structures, site design, approvals and permitting. Eligible Morris County families will earn the benefits of homeownership by completing hours of labor at the site and their no-interest mortgage program.

Morris Plains Traffic Improvements

Amount Approved: $136,330

The funding will be used to enhance pedestrian walkway safety features. This includes new sidewalks and crosswalks, a pedestrian overpass, intersection improvement, and traffic signal optimization. This will provide safe pedestrian access to public transportation for approximately 420 residents living in Foxwoods and Davenport Village affordable housing apartments.

Peckman River Flood Mitigation

Amount Approved: $146,200,000*

This project will provide the Preconstruction Engineering and Design (PED) for the Army Corps Peckman River project. The Recommended Plan includes a combination of a diversion culvert connecting the Peckman and Passaic Rivers; associated weirs; levees and floodwalls; channel modifications; and nonstructural measures within the ten percent floodplain upstream of Route 46.

*This funding was appropriated separately through the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act, which was signed into law on September 30, 2021.

Stanhope Water Main Replacement

Amount Approved: $677,000

The funding will be used for the replacement of undersized water mains on Sunset Avenue, Ridge Road, and Overhill Road in Stanhope Borough. The water mains are 70 years old and past their useful lifespan. It is essential that the aging drinking water infrastructure be replaced as the current water main system is unreliable. Replacement will also improve the Borough's overall waterflow, advancing public safety and emergency preparedness.

Totowa PAL Fields Recreational Lighting

Amount Approved: $649,000

The funding will be used for the purchase and installation of poles and new LED lights for the football field and Lincoln 90 baseball field at the Totowa PAL Fields complex, located at 150 Chamberlain Avenue in Totowa. This project will help provide a safe outdoor recreation space for all Totowa residents. These lights will not only be used during scheduled sporting events, but by multiple community groups for other activities that take place at these fields throughout the year.

United In Care, United Way of Northern New Jersey

Amount Approved: $1,100,000

The funding will be used to expand United Way of Northern New Jersey's collaborative project, United in Care, to New Jersey's 11th Congressional District. This program aims to rebuild New Jersey's early education and care sector after having lost 71 percent of family childcare providers. The program will include small, minority, and women-owned businesses; state-supported referral agencies; early education experts; data analysts; funders and the community.

West Orange Degnan Park Senior Citizens Park Improvements Project

Amount Approved: $250,000

The funding will be used for the expansion of Degnan Park's existing amenities and enhancement of the site for ADA accessibility. Degnan Park is located at Alisa Drive and Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange. The project will provide recreation equipment for low impact fitness geared towards older adults to help improve fitness and decrease loneliness.

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