East Brunswick Public Library receives $750K for infrastructure improvements
EAST BRUNSWICK – Federal funds will help the East Brunswick Public Library with much-needed infrastructure improvements.
A newly passed law in Washington, DC will allocate over $15 million to community projects in New Jersey’s 12th Precinct, with $750,000 allocated to the East Brunswick Public Library (EBPL).
A press release by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman announced that legislation on the Omnibus Funding Act had been passed by Congress on Dec. 23. $1.7 trillion legislation secures US federal government funding in 2023.
Of the $1.7 trillion in funding, $15 million went to central Jersey for public infrastructure improvements, community programs, flood control and mental health services.
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. Photo courtesy of watsoncoleman.house.gov
“By passing this omnibus funding bill, Congress is not only keeping government going, but is also directly addressing the needs of working families in New Jersey’s 12th Circuit and beyond.
“In addition to funding essential government programs, this legislation is delivering real results for some of our most vulnerable communities, including those still recovering from Superstorm Sandy [in 2012]. These families will now be able to put this decades-long nightmare behind them.
“As the sole appropriator of Congress in New Jersey, I take great pride in making sure my constituents’ federal tax dollars flow directly back into their communities. I am proud to announce this year that I have secured funding for 15 community projects in the 12th Precinct. From mental health services to infrastructure improvements, these investments will make central Jersey a better place to live, work and raise a family,” said Watson Coleman.
According to EBPL library director John Arthur, the funds will be used to improve the library’s HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system. He said the improvements would reduce costs and create a better environment for visitors and employees.
Library Director John Arthur. Photo courtesy of EBPL.
“We are delighted to have been awarded $750,000 for the EBPL and deeply appreciate the support of Mayor Brad Cohen, East Brunswick Economic Development Officer Robert Zuckerman and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, all of whom have helped us achieve this secure funding.
“The community’s plan is to use these funds to replace the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to create a more comfortable environment for library visitors and staff and to install a more efficient system that will save on energy bills and improve sustainability should improve . A new system should also improve indoor air quality and help meet or exceed standards that are important due to COVID,” he said.
Arthur explained that the timeline for the HVAC project is still undetermined, but that short-term closures may be required in the future.
