Stimulus draws crowd in Trenton

NJBIZ, May 25, 2009 by Fitzgerald, Beth

More than 800 municipal officials jammed the Trenton War Memorial auditorium last week to find out how their communities can share in the $17.5 billion in federal stimulus dollars flowing into New Jersey over the next three years.

The session, hosted by Gov. Jon S. Corzine, U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-Cliffside Park) and U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-Hoboken), drew a crowd that included 80 mayors, according to Hope Township Mayor Tim McDonough, president of the state League of Municipalities.

The meeting "was informative on how lo cal governments can take advantage of the various programs to fund projects, create jobs and get our economy moving again. I cannot help but be encouraged," McDonough said.

League Director William G. Dressel Jr. said the money will be distributed through population formulas and competitive applications; funds will go to health care centers, education, police, transit and public works. "The key is to keep the money rolling ... onto Main Street," he said. - Beth Fitzgerald