The Manchester Police Department is slated to receive $1,148,000 in federal funding secured by Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) to maintain proper law enforcement staffing levels and replace an aging fleet of police cruisers needed to patrol the town and respond to emergencies in a timely manner.

            “This federal support will enable the Manchester Police Department to continue delivering critical emergency and law enforcement services to a geographically large municipality,” said Rep. Smith, who personally secured the funds for the project as one of his congressional earmarks that were signed into law on Saturday as part of a negotiated budget.

            “Additionally, since Manchester is home to portions of Naval Air Station Lakehurst, the town’s police department is required to be prepared for emergency response in support of base activities,” said Smith.

            “The federal funding that Congressman Chris Smith has garnered for vehicles and other equipment will enable Manchester's dedicated and esteemed police force to continue the outstanding work they do each and every day to ensure the safety and security of our community,” said Manchester Mayor Rob Arace. “Congressman Smith continues to be resourceful and effective, and we are fortunate to have such a strong advocate working on behalf of Manchester.”

            Smith said securing an earmark is not a guarantee and commended Manchester Mayor Rob Arace for identifying a need that fit with the federal funding Smith could tap: “I thank Mayor Arace for his leadership and for working with me to provide the substantive data we used to win this funding.”

            Smith noted that the town’s geographic makeup demands more frequent maintenance for patrol vehicles to ensure law enforcement officers can continue to do their jobs effectively.  

            “Manchester Township has a very large geographic footprint being spread out over an area of 85 square miles, with areas that are heavily wooded and prone to inclement weather due to proximity to the Atlantic Ocean,” said Smith.

            “As a result, patrol vehicles suffer significant wear and tear, compromising the department’s ability to respond to emergencies across town and requiring vehicles to be sent for maintenance and unavailable for emergency response,” Smith said.

            SAFE DRINKING WATER. Smith also secured $2,250,000 in federal funding to upgrade and expand the neighboring Lakehurst Water Treatment Plant, which helps provide safe drinking water for Manchester residents.

            “This critical project will help ensure access to safe and clean drinking water for Manchester residents—including those living in single-family homes and nursing home units alike—in place of private wells contaminated by Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS),” said Smith.

            “With these federal dollars, the existing Lakehurst facility will be upgraded to modern standards utilizing best practices, including replacing the water main connecting the treatment plant to the Manchester Township interconnection,” said Smith.

            “Additionally, I must express my gratitude to Congressman Smith for his invaluable assistance with the vital water connection project in Lakehurst,” Mayor Arace added. “His collaboration with Mayor Robbins of Lakehurst and me has been instrumental in enhancing our agencies and infrastructure, improving the quality of life for our residents.”

            The plant, which was completed in 1966 and last upgraded over 20 years ago, currently treats 300 gallons per minute. With the new funds secured by Smith, its capacity will increase to 600 gallons per minute.

            The project includes the completion of all piping and water system appurtenances associated with the interconnect vaults. In addition to bringing the existing plant into compliance with pending regulations, the infrastructure upgrade will also improve the water system resiliency and cybersecurity.

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