Somerset Times

(July 17, 2024) SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) presented a $2,700,255 ceremonial check for the Scotch Plains Emergency Operations Center today. The funding was secured through the FY2024 Community Project Funding process and will be used to relocate all emergency services to a new Emergency Operations Center.

In attendance were Joshua Losardo, Mayor of the Township of Scotch Plains; Ellen Zimmerman, Deputy Mayor of the Township of Scotch Plains; Al Mirabella, the Scotch Plains Municipal Manager; Matthew Adams, Councilman of Scotch Plains; as well as chiefs and first responders from New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.

“Since being sworn in January 2023, I have made it a priority to bring more money from Washington, DC back to New Jerseyans,” said Congressman Kean. “As a former volunteer firefighter and EMT, I know how important it is for emergency personnel to have the proper equipment and facilities to keep our communities safe. This $2.7 million dollar grant will help the township relocate all emergency services to a new Emergency Operations Center. This grant will make a real difference in the lives of our brave first responders and the community they serve.”

“Scotch Plains is grateful for Congressman Kean’s support to relocate our emergency responders to a more centrally located area of town, thereby making all residents safer while simultaneously creating opportunities in our downtown for smart growth, more open green space for community gatherings and new jobs and businesses,” said Joshua Losardo, Mayor of the Township of Scotch Plains. “The prudent investments we are making today help ensure that Scotch Plains will continue being one of the best places to live and work in New Jersey for generations to come.”

“We appreciate the efforts of Congressman Kean and his team working with the Township to secure this funding,” said Ellen Zimmerman, Deputy Mayor of the Township of Scotch Plains. “Leadership is working together and providing our town’s residents with the resources to make their lives better. This is just one example, and we look forward to building on these relationships and opportunities as we move Scotch Plains forward.”

“On behalf of the people of Scotch Plains, I thank Congressman Kean for securing these necessary funds which will go a long way toward helping move Scotch Plains forward,” said Matthew Adams, Councilman of Scotch Plains. “Our first responders are asked daily to do a 21st-century job, and they deserve a 21st-century headquarters. I'm committed to making that a reality for them, and I'm delighted at the Congressman's show of bipartisan support for this effort.”

Congressman Kean secured $24 million in Community Project Funding for fiscal year 2024.