New Jersey Municipalities Receive Money for Homeland Security

Matthew Hersh

New Jersey's 15th Legislative District, which includes Princeton Borough and Township, has secured $680,000 in state monies for homeland security efforts. The funds, appropriated by the state's Department of Community Affairs, will be credited to local police departments' budgets.

Both the Borough and Township each will receive $70,000, with the money most likely going toward the salaries of officers paid for increased work and training related to homeland security. The Township has 35 officers and the Borough has 34.

"The state grant program will help police alleviate the costs associated with being our first line of defense against a terrorist attack," said Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman, 15th District.

Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, 15th District, added that the additional aid "will allow our municipalities to cover their costs without creating a new tax burden."

Municipalities with police departments and public safety budgets of more than $300,000 were eligible for the state aid program. Eight towns in the District received funding. Ewing Township received $140,000; Hopewell Borough received $25,000; Hopewell Township received $70,000; Lawrence Township received $140,000; Pennington Borough received $25,000; and Trenton received $140,000.