May 18, 2009

Re:    Meeting on Federal Recovery Act

Dear Mayor:

Today, League President, Mayor Tim McDonough led a delegation of mayors to a Town Hall meeting at the War Memorial hosted by Governor Corzine and Senators Frank Lautenberg and Bob Menendez to hear discussion on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and how local governments can take advantage of the various programs to fund critical projects, create jobs and get our economy moving again. There were upwards of 700 local officials in attendance, about eighty (80) of which were mayors.

The large gathering greeted the welcomed news from the Senators that New Jersey can expect to receive an estimated $17.5 billion in total from the Recovery Act over three years. Nationwide, another $240 billion will be available in tax benefits and grants.  This will bode well for New Jersey as it accesses many of the grants to help our recovery.

Governor Corzine has set up the New Jersey Recovery Accountability Task Force to monitor the distribution and promote the efficient use of ARRA funds in the State. Also, New Jersey has provided a web site for those seeking federal funding opportunities and technical assistance.  Please go to www.nj.gov/recovery.

This past January when President Obama took office, the League requested a consultative meeting such as this so that municipalities can learn how to take advantage of resources that would help off-set property taxes.  We believe this meeting was responsive to our initial request.

For further information, please contact me at (609) 695-3481, ext. 122 or by email at bdressel@njslom.com

Click here for the Press Release from the Governor's Office

NJLM - Federal Stimulus Updates

New Jersey Recovery Act Website

White House Act Website

Corzine, Lautenberg, Menendez brief local N.J. officials on federal stimulus funds (NJ.com)

 

Very Truly Yours,

William G. Dressel, Jr.
Executive Director