BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township's Pleasant Valley Park culvert and path project is included in a House funding bill for the upcoming fiscal year, according to Congressman Tom Kean Jr.'s office.
The request for Bernards totals $1.84 million and is one of 18 Community Project Funding requests from Kean's office that were included in key House funding bills, totaling $17,765,906 across New Jersey's 7th Congressional District.
Community Project Funding allows members of Congress to request direct funding for projects that benefit the communities they represent.
The announcement states that only projects with evidence of strong community support are considered, and that proof of support and community need is required in the submission.
For Bernards Township, the funding would be used for construction of a culvert at Pleasant Valley Park, according to the project justification released by Kean's office.
The announcement states that hundreds of vehicles per day currently drive through the stream that intersects the park road, which negatively affects water quality.
It says a culvert would reduce water pollution, provide a safer crossing to the rear of the park and allow construction of new paths throughout the park.
Kean tied the larger package of requests to infrastructure, public safety and local costs in his statement announcing the projects.
"I fought to bring this federal funding home to New Jersey because our communities deserve a strong return on the tax dollars they send to Washington," said Kean. "These investments will improve roads and bridges, modernize water infrastructure, strengthen public safety, support our first responders, and help towns complete critical projects without placing the full burden on local property taxpayers. My focus will continue to be listening to residents, cutting through the Washington gridlock, and delivering resources that make our communities safer, stronger, and more affordable."
The Bernards project justification also points to expanded walking and exercise opportunities, especially for veterans living at Valley Brook Village, the HUD Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing apartments on the Lyons VA campus next to the park.
In April, Kean submitted 20 Community Project Funding requests to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration in five funding bills, according to the announcement.
The next step is for those bills to pass the House.
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