Vital infrastructure improvement and humanitarian services projects in Lakewood championed by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) have been included in the federal funding bill passed by Congress and are now slated to receive more than $5 million in federal funding to help build new roads aimed at alleviating traffic congestion, repair public buildings, expand childcare and elderly care services.

"These moneys I secured for my district will also go a long way toward ensuring that elderly residents and children with disabilities have better access to the essential care and services they need and deserve,” Smith said in a statement.    

 “These critical projects will not only bring much-needed improvements to our area but also help boost our local economy by creating and sustaining good-paying jobs,” Smith added.

President Biden signed the budget into law earlier today after the Senate passed it late Friday night.

The federal dollars—which were personally secured by Smith through congressional earmarks—include:

            · $3,000,000 to establish a regional, handicapped-accessible senior center in Lakewood—in conjunction with local government and private partnerships—that will help close the gap in services by providing congregate meals, health and wellness services, educational classes, case management services, and personal development programs;

            · $1,061,469 for a much-needed expansion to Carey Street in Lakewood, including sidewalks, street lighting, a traffic signal and streetscape features, as well as upgrades to drinking water mains, sewers, and storm water management;

            · $380,000 for a safety renovation and upgrade to the Wheelchair Accessible Special Needs Playground at the School for Children with Hidden Intelligence (SCHI) in Lakewood; and

            · $250,000 for Lakewood’s Special Children’s Center to construct an accessible community garden in Howell that will be open to residents of Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Other projects slated to receive funds include:

            · $1,150,000 for the Manchester Police Department to replace its aging fleet of patrol vehicles and to maintain proper law enforcement staffing levels for efficient and effective response times;

            · $6,000,000 for a major extension to Railroad Avenue in Lacey to help alleviate traffic congestion along Route 9 and provide greater mobility for residents;

            · $2,250,000 to expand the capacity of a key drinking water treatment facility in Lakehurst that also services residents of Manchester;

            · $1,600,000 for new boardwalk facilities in Seaside Heights aimed at boosting local businesses and accommodating the town’s growing economic development;

            · $1,500,000 to rehabilitate Ocean County’s aging wastewater treatment digester and other mechanical, electrical and structural systems in Berkeley;

            · $1,200,000 for a major renovation and revitalization project at the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County in Wall aimed at expanding childcare services for working families;

            · $1,000,000 for a critical extension to Western Boulevard in Berkeley to help relieve traffic hazards and gridlock on Route 9;

            · $750,000 to upgrade the heating and cooling system at the South Toms River recreation center;

            · $676,000 for significant repairs to apartment homes for senior residents in Belmar;

“This significant federal support for major construction, repair and renovation projects throughout our Fourth Congressional District will go a long way toward ensuring the continued safety of our communities as well as expanding key services for residents and families,” said Rep. Smith.

This article was originally published on March 9, 2024and can be found at:
Rep. Smith Secures Over $5 Million in Federal Funds for Various Lakewood Projects - The Lakewood Scoop