County of Union Awards 2018 Infrastructure Grants to all 21 Municipalities

Total of $1.5 million in grants awarded fourth annual time for various road and municipal improvements

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders today announced the fourth annual Union County Infrastructure Grant awards to 21 municipalities to help fund projects aimed at spurring economic development growth, making road, facility and other improvements throughout the County.

“This program provides our municipalities with financial aid to make various improvements that benefit our residents and businesses,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “Many of the projects are much-needed road or sidewalk improvements, while others are facility, business district, public safety, or record keeping items.”

The program was conceived by Freeholder Christopher Hudak in 2015, developed by the County’s Freeholder Fiscal Committee and administered by the Department of Economic Development.  This year’s Freeholder Fiscal Committee included Freeholder Bruce Bergen (who chaired the committee), Freeholder Vice Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, and Freeholders Angel Estrada and Alexander Mirabella.

“The Union County Infrastructure Grant provides assistance to our cities and towns for vital improvements that may lack a sufficient funding source,” said Freeholder Hudak. “Our intent is to stimulate economic growth and maintain the high quality of life in Union County.” 

The matching grant initiative makes available approximately $1.5 million to Union County’s 21 municipalities, assisting them to accomplish tasks undertaken in calendar year 2018.

Funding for the grant is provided through the proceeds from the sale of Runnells Specialized Hospital in 2014.

Some examples of work funded include: milling and resurfacing of streets in Berkeley Heights; a road repaving program in Cranford; Orchard Terrace drainage improvements in Hillside; Sumner Avenue improvements in Plainfield; Hanratty sports complex improvements in Elizabeth; resurfacing of Meeting House Lane in Mountainside; and Springfield Avenue improvements in Summit.