CHERRY HILL, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Senator Cory Booker (NJ-D) in announcing that the Camden Redevelopment Agency will receive $300,000 in funding for brownfields clean-up projects in Camden, with the intention of redeveloping vacant and abandoned properties and turning them into community assets such as housing, recreation and open space, health facilities, social services and commerce opportunities.

The funding, which was announced along with $300,000 for both Niagara County and New York City, are part of $6.9 million going to communities across the country that have demonstrated success in using their Brownfields funds to clean up and redevelop brownfields sites.

“As our country faces more than one public crisis, protecting the health of our community is more important than ever – and this federal funding will provide a safer environment for Camden residents,” said Congressman Norcross. “This investment will help us continue to improve our city by turning a contaminated property into a community resource. It’s amazing to witness Camden’s historic transformation, and this grant will bring economic opportunities to the area both during and after the clean-up, in addition to making our community a better and safer place to live.”

One project under consideration by the Camden Redevelopment Agency for this funding is the remediation and preservation of Building 8, an industrial site that is currently blighting downtown revitalization efforts and is eligible for listing on the federal register of historic places. Funding may also be used to support the redevelopment and expansion of a light manufacturing facility at the Concord Chemical site that could create 20 additional jobs.

“These federal dollars are critically important to protecting the health and well-being of people living in Camden, while unleashing the potential for new economic opportunity,” said Senator Cory Booker. “As a former mayor, I know this vital funding will be used to continue Camden’s resurgence and allow the community to make use of what was previously a blighted public hazard.”

“I commend Congressman Donald Norcross, Senator Bob Menendez, and Senator Cory Booker for this funding commitment and thank the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its dedication to ensuring productive and healthy environmental outcomes here in Camden,” said Camden Mayor Frank Moran. “Ensuring a high quality of life for all Camden residents must remain our top priority. The environmental transformation of Camden’s contaminated sites into clean spaces is essential to our City’s success. With the help of our partners at the EPA and Camden Redevelopment Agency, the City continues to have opportunities to reinvent these brownfields, leverage federal and state resources, and attract new commercial, lite manufacturing and industrial uses which will create well-paying jobs for Camden residents.”

“The EPA Brownfields Program is transforming communities across New York, New Jersey and the nation by allowing local governments to turn contaminated sites into community assets that attract jobs and boost economic development,” said EPA Regional Administrator Pete Lopez. “The supplemental funds announced today will advance the phenomenal work of our partners in Camden, Niagara County and New York City to make on-the-ground progress within these communities.”

For more on the brownfields grants: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/types-brownfields-grant-funding

For more on EPA’s Brownfields Program: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields

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Contact: Carrie Healey, Communications Director
carrie.healey@mail.house.gov