The Borough of South Toms River is slated to receive $750,000 in federal funding secured by Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) for critical upgrades to the heating and cooling system at the municipal recreation center that serves as an important hub for the small, tight knit community.

           “The South Toms River recreation center is a centerpiece of services, support and outreach offered to residents in the South Toms River community,” 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.

           “These federal dollars will help replace the current heat and air conditioning system—which is at the end of its useful life—and ensure the building is not rendered effectively useless to the many community events and programs it supports,” said Smith.

           “This funding means so much to our community,” said South Toms River Mayor Oscar Cradle. “I’d like to thank Chris Smith for everything he does for us here in South Toms River, and it is very much appreciated.”

           “We are ecstatic for this funding,” said South Toms River Council President Sandy Ross. “As a small municipality, these funds are a tremendous help and will ensure this community center remains open for the many groups who use it.”

           Smith noted that among its many uses, the center hosts a variety of local organizations including a summer camp, the Homework Club tutoring program, dances and events, local cheerleading organizations, local youth baseball teams, support groups, and regular public meetings and events.

           The funds secured by Smith will be combined with $150,000 committed by the Borough to cover the $900,000 total cost of the federal-local project, which will include the replacement of four end-of-life air handling units located in the attic with four new DX cooling units for heating with remote air-cooled condensing units that will be located on the roof. The project also calls for the replacement and modification of ductwork, the installation of a new DDC control system, and architectural and electrical work.

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