CHERRY HILL, NJ – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ), and Camden Mayor Dana Redd today announced a total of $750,000 in federal funding for Camden to assess, clean, and redevelop contaminated properties in the city. The funding was made available through the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Brownfields Investments Program, which empowers states, communities, and other stakeholders to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields sites.

“We’re seeing a great Camden revitalization – with more jobs, less crime and better educational opportunities – and this federal funding will aid in Camden’s turnaround by beautifying key areas in the city,” said Congressman Norcross. “We’re not declaring victory in Camden just yet, but it’s encouraging that needed investments, like these, have been secured to help us continue to build up our city. EPA’s Brownfields program spurs economic recovery, development and growth. I’m glad Camden is receiving these funds that will make our city healthier, improve the quality of life and drive job creation. ”

"This much-needed federal investment will go a long way in furthering Camden's renaissance by helping to transform polluted and underutilized sites into fertile engines for economic development and job growth,” said Sen. Menendez. “Securing New Jersey’s environmental sustainability is an integral part of our future, and I will continue fighting for additional funding to complete these transformative projects to protect our public health and environment, increase property values and revitalize entire communities.”

“Allowing brownfields to remain barren is a threat to the health and safety of our families and inhibits the ability of communities like Camden to continue to thrive,” said Sen. Booker.  “By helping return contaminated sites back to productive use, this federal funding will protect our environment and public health, boost economic growth and continue to support Camden’s resurgence.”

“During the past few years, Camden has been aggressively seeking funding to help clean-up various environmentally challenged sites that were part of our industrial past,” Mayor Dana L. Redd said.  “The $750,000 in EPA grants is welcomed news and is yet another vital piece of the puzzle that will allow our great City to flourish and grow to greater and cleaner heights.  I truly appreciate the assistance, perseverance and dedicated work of our congressional delegation in making sure Camden receives its fair share of federal funding.”

The EPA announced the following grant awards:

Assessment Grant - Camden Redevelopment Agency

$350,000 for hazardous substances EPA has selected the Camden Redevelopment Agency for a brownfields assessment grant. Site-specific hazardous substances grant funds will be used to conduct Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments at the 7th and Kaighn Street site at 726 Kaighn Avenue. The 4.4-acre site was formerly an electroplating facility, which stopped operating in 2004. Grant funds also will be used to conduct cleanup planning and support community outreach activities, including publishing materials in Spanish.

Cleanup Grant - Camden Redevelopment Agency

$200,000 for hazardous substances EPA has selected the Camden Redevelopment Agency for a brownfields cleanup grant. Hazardous substances grant funds will be used to clean up Lots 13-17 of the Harrison Avenue Landfill Site at the corner of East State Street and Harrison Avenue. The lots total 1.4 acres and are part of an 83-acre former city dump, which is contaminated with chlorinated volatile organic compounds, semi-volatile organic compounds, and dieldrin. Grant funds also will be used to conduct community outreach activities, including publishing materials in Spanish.

Cleanup Grant - City of Camden

$200,000 for hazardous substances EPA has selected the City of Camden for a brownfields cleanup grant. Hazardous substances grant funds will be used to clean up the Knox Meadows II site located at 1000 North 4th Street. The site is a two-and-a-half acre portion of the 37-acre former Knox Gelatin site, which manufactured soap, gelatin, sealants, and other goods. The site also housed a wharf and a wood mill. Industrial use of the site dates back to the 1800s; the last remaining building was razed in 1995. The site is contaminated with polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, metals, and PCBs that were used to backfill the waterfront when it was developed. Grant funds also will be used to support community involvement activities.

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Contact: Ally Kehoe, Communications Director
ally.kehoe@mail.house.gov