$137K In Federal Funding Earmarked For Chester Building's Failing Roof

CHESTER, NJ — A Chester building that houses emergency responders, a food pantry and several other community organizations could soon get a much-needed roof replacement with the help of $137,500 in proposed federal funding.

Congressman Tom Kean Jr. (R-07) visited Chester this week to highlight the funding included in a House appropriations bill for the Highlands Ridge Building, which has a deteriorating roof that is allowing water to enter the facility.

The project would replace the building's 22,000-square-foot flat roof, which officials say is failing in multiple locations.

The building serves as a hub for several organizations, including the Chester Volunteer First Aid Squad, Atlantic Health EMT services, Chester Township Office of Emergency Management, New Jersey Highlands Council, Chester-Mendham Food Pantry, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Chester Historical Society.

"The Highlands Ridge Building is vital to the operations of the Chester Volunteer First Aid Squad, Atlantic Health EMT services, the Chester Township Office of Emergency Management, the NJ Highlands Council, the Chester-Mendham Food Pantry, and NJ Department of Environmental Protection, and the Chester Historical Society, but its roof is failing in multiple places," Kean said. "I was pleased to secure this federal funding for Chester to help ensure that these agencies can continue working for the people of Chester."

Chester Township Mayor Tim Drag said the building plays an important role in providing services to residents and that replacing the roof is essential to keeping those operations running.

"Without this building, many residents would lose access to vital resources and support," Drag said. "We sincerely appreciate Congressman Kean's efforts to secure this funding and help protect this important community asset."

Assemblyman Mike Inganamort also praised the proposed funding, saying the repairs would help ensure the organizations operating out of the building can continue serving Morris County residents.

The $137,500 allocation is among 18 Community Project Funding requests totaling approximately $17.8 million that Kean announced in July were included in House funding bills for the upcoming fiscal year.

The proposed projects cover various infrastructure and community needs across New Jersey's 7th Congressional District.