Sens. Menendez, Booker, Rep. Norcross, Mayor Redd Announce $750,000 in Federal Funding for Camden Site Cleanup

Statement

U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.), Congressman Donald Norcross (N.J.-01) and Camden Mayor Dana Redd today announced a total of $750,000 in federal funding for Camden to assess, clean, and redevelop contaminated properties in the city. The funding was made available through the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Brownfields Investments Program, which empowers states, communities, and other stakeholders to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields sites.

"This much-needed federal investment will go a long way in furthering Camden's renaissance by helping to transform polluted and underutilized sites into fertile engines for economic development and job growth," said Sen. Menendez. "Securing New Jersey's environmental sustainability is an integral part of our future, and I will continue fighting for additional funding to complete these transformative projects to protect our public health and environment, increase property values and revitalize entire communities."

"Allowing brownfields to remain barren is a threat to the health and safety of our families and inhibits the ability of communities like Camden to continue to thrive," said Sen. Booker. "By helping return contaminated sites back to productive use, this federal funding will protect our environment and public health, boost economic growth and continue to support Camden's resurgence."

"We're seeing a great Camden revitalization -- with more jobs, less crime and better educational opportunities -- and this federal funding will aid in Camden's turnaround by beautifying key areas in the city," said Congressman Norcross. "We're not declaring victory in Camden just yet, but it's encouraging that needed investments, like these, have been secured to help us continue to build up our city. EPA's Brownfields program spurs economic recovery, development and growth. I'm glad Camden is receiving these funds that will make our city healthier, improve the quality of life and drive job creation. "

"During the past few years, Camden has been aggressively seeking funding to help clean-up various environmentally challenged sites that were part of our industrial past," Mayor Dana L. Redd said. "The $750,000 in EPA grants is welcomed news and is yet another vital piece of the puzzle that will allow our great City to flourish and grow to greater and cleaner heights. I truly appreciate the assistance, perseverance and dedicated work of our congressional delegation in making sure Camden receives its fair share of federal funding."

Source