$1.6M For Bernards Police Communications Upgrade Requested By Congressman Kean

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) submitted 15 Community Project Funding requests, including $1.6 million for Bernards Township Police communications upgrades, to the House Appropriations Committee for funding consideration ahead of the fiscal year 2025 congressional appropriations process.

"Community Project Funding requests are an important way to send much needed federal dollars back home to New Jersey," said Kean. "From supporting our police to improving aging infrastructure, I am excited to share the 15 community projects selected for consideration in the FY2025 appropriations process. I will continue to fight in Congress to get this funding across the finish line, so we can improve lives in the Garden State."

Among the 15 requests is a request for $1,626,100 for Bernards Township. These funds would be used for improving the communications capabilities of the Township Police Department and partner emergency response agencies within the Township, which provide for direct radio contact and allow the police to more effectively communicate and facilitate deployment.

"We are very excited about this," said Bernards Township Mayor Jennifer Asay at the Tuesday night Committee meeting.

Asay noted Bernards Township was chosen as one of the 15 requests from more than 70 submissions from 95 towns.

"If we get this money it's really incredible," said Deputy Mayor Janice Fields.

Asay noted that they won't know if the funding is approved until October or November.

"I am just happy to be selected as one of the 15," said Asay.

Community Project Funding is a process that allows Members of Congress to request direct funding for projects that benefit the communities they represent. Each member may submit up to 15 projects.

This process includes robust eligibility, ethics, and transparency guidelines and is only available to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as some non-profits.

Additionally, only projects with evidence of strong support from the community will be considered, and evidence of this support and community need is required as part of the submission.

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