By Lakewood Alerts
Published February 5, 2026

             Rep. Chris Smith has secured more than $23.8 million in federal funding for infrastructure, public safety, environmental, and humanitarian projects across Ocean and Monmouth counties.

             The funding was included in the recently approved consolidated federal budget through congressional earmarks submitted by Smith. His office said the allocations are intended to address a range of local needs, from drinking water and flood control to law enforcement and community services.

             Among the earmarks, $275,000 is designated to upgrade Lakewood Shomrim’s radio communication infrastructure. The funding is aimed at improving reliability, coverage, and interoperability with law enforcement and emergency agencies.

             Lakewood Shomrim works closely with local and county authorities to assist with missing persons cases, emergency response, and community safety. Officials said improved communications are expected to strengthen coordination during emergencies and large-scale incidents.

             In addition to the Shomrim allocation, Smith’s earmarks include the following projects:

• $1,750,000 for Manchester Township to construct a permanent water treatment facility to improve drinking water quality and mitigate PFOS contamination.
• $2,000,000 for the Ocean County Utilities Authority to replace aging valves, gates, and covers at pump stations to improve wastewater treatment.
• $480,000 for the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office to expand and modernize its vehicle fleet.
• $540,000 for the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office to upgrade communications equipment and improve interoperability with emergency agencies.
• $2,000,000 to address safety and congestion issues along County Road 537, from CR 526/571 to Gravel Hill Road.
• $5,640,000 for Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to construct a Secure Test Aviation Research Hangar with enhanced physical and cyber security features.
• $1,490,000 to restore and renovate the historic Manitou Park School House in Berkeley Township, a former segregated school with ties to the civil rights movement.
• $275,000 for Lakewood Shomrim to upgrade radio communications and strengthen coordination with law enforcement.
• $271,498 for Dottie’s House, a domestic violence shelter in Brick, to support clinical services and replace aging building systems.
• $3,200,000 for construction of a new air traffic control tower at Naval Air Station Lakehurst, replacing the current structure from the 1970s.
• $1,000,000 for the Borough of Belmar to improve water quality at Silver Lake through shoreline restoration and stormwater management.
• $247,000 for Covenant House New Jersey to launch a statewide human trafficking prevention program in schools.
• $2,000,000 to restore and improve stormwater management at Shadow Lake in the Navesink River system between Middletown and Red Bank.
• $2,000,000 for Lakewood Township to improve roadway, drainage, and sewer infrastructure along the Cross Street Corridor, including Maplehurst Avenue, Newport Avenue, Franklin Boulevard, and Faraday Avenue.
• $1,000,000 for Eatontown Township to repair infrastructure around Wampum Lake and reduce flooding risks.