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Press Release

Smith Helps NJ National Guard Break Ground on Six Post-Superstorm Construction Projects

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Freehold, N.J. , Nov 9, 2016 | Jeff Sagnip ((732) 780-3035) | comments

  • Congressman Smith, Center, helps break ground for the new projects at the Seagirt National Guard Training Center in Monmouth County.

  • Brig. Gen. Cunniff introduces Smith, seated second at top right, to a group of Guardsman and construction workers.

  • Brig. Gen. Cunniff introduces Smith, seated at top right, just prior to the November 2016 groundbreaking.

  • The ground breaking for six projects worth over $24 million was held Nov. 9, 2016.

On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) and the New Jersey Adjutant General, Brigadier General Michael L. Cunniff, broke ground on six Superstorm Sandy-related projects at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, Monmouth County.

The projects, totaling over $20 million, are replacing damaged facilities and utilities on the installation and were funded through the Superstorm Sandy Supplemental package Smith and the New Jersey Delegation successfully enacted in the aftermath of the storm: the Disaster Appropriations Act (now Public Law 113-2).

“This groundbreaking is an important step in the ongoing recovery process our state faced in the wake of one of the most damaging storms in our, and the nation’s, history,” said Smith, who represents Sea Girt. “Many members of the New Jersey Guard, like our first responders, were called to assist others in need—and did so heroically and without hesitation—while concurrently dealing with damage to their own homes.”

Brig. Gen. Cunniff thanked Smith for his strong support for the projects in the wake of Sandy.

“Congressman Smith represents Seagirt, and as always has been a staunch supporter of the Guard,” Cunniff said. “On behalf of the 8,400 soldiers and airmen of the New Jersey National Guard, this is a pretty big deal.”

The new facilities include:\

  • a $4.842 million medical clinic;

  • a $2.05 million data and communications duct bank;

  • two maintenance shops worth over $6.4 million;

  • a $1.984 million back-up power generation Station, and;

  • a $4.639 million general instruction building.

     

    “These projects also highlight the continued military value of Sea Girt to our national defense and to National Guard readiness: roughly 5,000 soldiers from throughout the Northeast train at Sea Girt annually,” Smith concluded.

     

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