EPA $1 Million Brownfields Cleanup Grant to Transform Contaminated Site in Camden

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency celebrated the selection of Camden Lutheran Housing Inc. to receive a $1 million grant for the cleanup of the Former West Jersey Paper Manufacturing Site. The event, which took place at the intersection of North Front Street and Elm Street in Camden, New Jersey, was part of a tour of several key redevelopment sites in the area. Following the cleanup funded by this grant, 15 affordable single-family homes will be built at these locations, marking a significant step in the broader revitalization efforts across Camden.

“Our administration has been laser-focused on expanding access to safe and affordable housing in New Jersey,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This critical funding from the EPA’s Brownfields Program and President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will allow for the environmental and economic revitalization of several communities across the Garden State, including the city of Camden. Cleaning up contaminated sites and constructing new, affordable homes will advance our mission of becoming the best state in the nation to live and raise a family.”

The $1 million grant to Camden Lutheran Housing Inc. will be used to clean up a half-acre site previously used for paper milling and pulp operations. Activities at this facility contaminated soil and have prevented the site from being used for the good of the community. This cleanup will make the site safe for the development of 15 affordable single-family homes, furthering the City of Camden’s initiative to prioritize affordable housing and the redevelopment of medium-density residential land. This grant is part of four grants totaling $3 million in EPA Brownfields funding for communities across New Jersey. The Camden Redevelopment Agency, also present at the event, was selected to receive a $500,000 community-wide grant to conduct environmental site assessments, focusing on the Federal Street Industrial and Commercial Corridor in the East Camden Neighborhood.

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Statement from Governor Murphy on the Tragic Deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

Following the tragic passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, Governor Murphy released the statement below:

“Tammy and I are heartbroken by the shocking and tragic loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who were killed yesterday evening while biking in Oldmans Township. 

“The Gaudreau siblings were proud New Jersey natives. The two of them discovered their love for hockey in the rinks of South Jersey, and followed their passion up to Boston, where both brothers quickly emerged as star players on the Boston College men’s hockey team.

“After college, Johnny went on to play in the NHL—most recently, with the Columbus Blue Jackets—and earned the adoration of hockey fans around the world, as well as his fellow players. They all recognized that our beloved “Johnny Hockey” was a star in every sense of the word—both on and off the ice.

“Matt, for his part, dedicated himself to cultivating the talent of young athletes who shared his passion for hockey. After playing for teams in the AHL and ECHL, Matt returned to South Jersey, and served as the head hockey coach at his alma mater, Gloucester Catholic.

“To every member of the Gaudreau family, please know that the people of New Jersey grieve with you.

“Tammy and I are sending our heartfelt prayers to Johnny’s wife, Meredith, their two beloved children, Noa and Johnny, Matthew’s wife Madeline, as well as their parents, Jane and Guy, and sisters Katie and Kristen.” 

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The New Jersey Department of Children and Families Celebrates Women’s Equality Day and 50 Years of the NJ Division on Women

In 1973, the United States Congress passed legislation officially recognizing August 26 as Women’s Equality Day and commemorating the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave certain women the right to vote.

A year later, on August 26, 1974, then-New Jersey Governor Brendan Byrne signed legislation that formally established the DOW.

“As we celebrate Women’s Equality Day and recognize all the sacrifices and contributions made by generations of women across our country, we envision a better future for all women and young girls based on decisions and investments we are making today,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “For 50 years, the NJ Division on Women has worked to support and advance women in our state in many different areas from education to child care to health care and beyond. I am eager to support the Division’s next 50 years as we work together to uplift future generations of women and young girls across New Jersey.”

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Federal Grant Awards $801,000 to Promote Garden State Agricultural Products

The USDA has awarded New Jersey agricultural organizations $801,000 in Specialty Crop Block Grants to fund 14 projects to benefit Garden State crops such as fruits, and vegetables, as well as horticulture and nursery. 

The grants are part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) efforts to promote specialty crops in the nation and stimulate food and agriculturally based community economic development. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture, nursery crops and floriculture and account for more than 80 percent of the $1.5 billion in agricultural sales annually in the Garden State.

“The Specialty Crop Block Grant program not only helps New Jersey promote our ‘Jersey Fresh’ program,” New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn said. “We use these program dollars by supporting additional marketing activities across commodities and organizations to maximize the messaging for local healthy foods. We are pleased to continue this relationship with the USDA.”

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NJ Human Services Moves to Enhance Direct Support Professional Services to Serve Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Co-Occurring Mental Health Needs

New Jersey Human Services is moving to enhance direct support professional services that serve individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs.

The Department has issued a request for proposals for provider agencies interested in having their direct support professionals (DSPs) obtain the National Association of the Dually Diagnosed (NADD) Competency-Based IDD/MI Dual Diagnosis Direct Support Professional Certification.

DSPs work with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to help those individuals achieve their personal goals. The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) oversees the coordination and delivery of publicly funded home and community-based services in New Jersey for about 26,500 adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Per 2023 DDD statistics, at least 3,500 of these individuals have a co-occurring psychiatric diagnosis.

“Direct Support Professionals provide vitally important support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they may live full and healthy lives in their communities,” Commissioner Adelman said. “Governor Murphy’s Administration has invested significantly in this workforce by continually increasing wages to reflect the value and importance of their work, in turn improving recruitment and retention in the field. This opportunity is another important investment in this workforce and an important step to ensure DSPs are trained, equipped and qualified at the highest level to support individuals with IDD and co-occurring mental health needs. Becoming NADD Certified will be a source of pride for DSPs and a source of comfort and confidence for provider agencies and families.”

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