Menendez, Booker, Norcross, Redd Announce New Investment to Transform Camden Neighborhood

Press Release

U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, Congressman Donald Norcross (N.J.-01) and Camden Mayor Dana Redd today announced a $200,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create a locally-driven cleanup and redevelopment plan and launch new economic opportunities in Camden's Mt. Ephraim neighborhood.

"Local leaders understand best what it takes to revitalize and rebuild neighborhoods, create jobs and boost economic opportunity," said Sen. Menendez. "This grant will support their efforts to engage residents and continue the Camden Turnaround, making neighborhoods better places to live, work and raise a family."

"The funding announced today is critical to restoring contaminated properties and protecting public health," said Sen. Booker. "The revitalization plan for the Mt. Ephraim Choice Neighborhood in Camden in an exciting opportunity to advance mixed-use development that provides economic opportunities to the city and its residents. I'm encouraged that EPA is working with the City of Camden to prioritize the environmental sustainability of our communities."

"This federal funding is another step in the right direction for Camden's turnaround that will help beautify a key area of the city and make it an asset to residents," said Rep. Norcross. "The grant is specifically designed to engage the community and I know that the people of Camden are determined to build on recent improvements to local safety and quality of life. These resources will help in our shared efforts to realize the City's full potential."

This funding is part of EPA's Brownfields Area-Wide Planning program, which helps communities develop specific strategies that integrate the cleanup and reuse of brownfields sites in larger, coordinated efforts to revitalize neighborhoods. Brownfields are properties where moderate contamination threatens environmental quality and public health and can interfere with productive reuse of the properties.

"The City of Camden is delighted to receive this wonderful news," said Mayor Redd. "We look forward to working closely with our residents and community stakeholders to build upon ongoing redevelopment efforts. These monies will go a long way to as we work hard to eliminate blight from throughout our neighborhoods and implement the holistic strategy outline for the Choice Neighborhoods."