Somerset Times

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) expressed his satisfaction with the bipartisan passage of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY24, which will allocate nearly $3,159,255 in Community Project Funding to New Jersey's 7th Congressional District. The legislation encompasses various sectors including Defense, Financial Services, Homeland Security, Health and Labor, Legislative Branch, and State and Foreign Operations.

In a statement, Congressman Kean remarked, "This vote wraps up a very successful Fiscal Year 2024 for New Jersey’s 7th District." He further added, "Over $25 million for important community projects is that much closer to reaching our towns, and I am proud of the fight we have led through the House."

The appropriations bill not only includes the requested Community Project Funding but also secures an additional $22 million from the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY24. Moreover, the bill signifies a substantial $27 billion increase in defense funding from the FY23 enacted level, focusing on critical national security efforts such as countering the People’s Republic of China, enhancing counternarcotics initiatives, and investing in the well-being of service members and their families.

Among the projects funded in the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 for NJ-07 are the installation of new diesel generators for Municipal Buildings in Raritan Township, NJ, and the Scotch Plains Emergency Operations Center. The Raritan Township project, amounting to $459,000, is crucial for emergency operations during extreme weather events and power outages. On the other hand, the Scotch Plains Emergency Operations Center, funded with $2,700,255, will relocate all emergency services to a new multipurpose facility, enhancing overall emergency response capabilities.

The passage of this appropriations act signifies a significant step towards bolstering community resilience and enhancing national security efforts in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District.