Bateman-Ciattarelli-Simon Welcome News of $8.7 Million in School Construction Grants

WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 9, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman, Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli and Assemblywoman Donna Simon, all R-Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer and Middlesex, welcomed the Christie administration’s announcement that schools in Legislative District 16 will be receiving nearly $8.7 million in grants for school construction projects.

On Wednesday, the administration announced the approval of $507.7 million in total state grants to help fund the cost of 1,538 school construction projects in 331 school districts throughout the state.

“This funding will go a long way in giving local districts the means needed to provide safe, modern facilities for all students,” said Bateman. “A student’s classroom environment weighs heavily on their ability to succeed. By giving teachers and administrators the facilities and tools they need our children will be better able to achieve their fullest potential.”

Over $21 million will be spent on school facilities projects in the district, which covers parts of Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer and Middlesex counties. Over forty percent of the costs are covered by the grants.

“Investing in our schools’ infrastructure is really an investment in our students and teachers,” said Ciattarelli. “These funds will improve and upgrade facilities that are essential to providing a safe and effective learning environment for our children. The burden on property taxpayers is also reduced as a result of our schools working in partnership with the state to identify critical projects that receive these grants.”

“Keeping our school facilities in good condition provides the opportunity for students to excel and teachers the proper work environment to help them achieve their potential,” said Simon. “The partnership between the state and our local schools to prioritize projects, how much they will cost and how they will be funded speaks to the importance we place on education. The return on investment that taxpayers realize on these projects is evidenced by the quality of students who graduate and the contributions they make to our communities.”

A breakdown of the school districts scheduled for facilities improvements, the total project cost and state funding allocated to each district is detailed below.

School District / Total Project Cost / State Share of Cost

Delaware / $496,336.00 / $198,534.00

Flemington Raritan / $1,690,368.00 / $ 676,147.00

Hunterdon Central / $2,948,500.00 / $1,179,400.00

Readington / $1,830,000.00 / $732,000.00

Princeton Regional / $3,238,765.00 / $1,295,506.00

South Brunswick / $3,049,603.00 / $1,219,841.00

Branchburg / $317,713.00 / $127,085.00

Hillsborough / $2,999,010.00 / $1,199,604.00

Manville / $2,385,498.00 / $1,078,534.00

Montgomery / $616,756.00 / $246,702.00

Somerville / $1,576,155.00 / $721,148.00