Rep. Chris Smith has secured over $23.8 million in federal funding for various projects in Ocean and Monmouth counties, according to a recent announcement. The funds, part of the consolidated federal budget, were obtained through congressional earmarks submitted by Smith.
The allocations will support infrastructure, public safety, environmental improvements, and humanitarian initiatives across the region. One of the notable grants is $275,000 designated for Lakewood Shomrim to upgrade its radio communication systems. This funding aims to enhance reliability and coverage while improving interoperability with law enforcement and emergency agencies.
Lakewood Shomrim collaborates with local and county authorities on missing persons cases, emergency response, and community safety efforts. Officials expect that improved communications will help strengthen coordination during emergencies and large-scale incidents.
Other projects funded through Smith’s earmarks include:
– $1.75 million for Manchester Township to build a permanent water treatment facility addressing PFOS contamination.
– $2 million for the Ocean County Utilities Authority to replace aging equipment at pump stations.
– $480,000 for the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office to expand and modernize its vehicle fleet.
– $540,000 for the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office to upgrade communications equipment.
– $2 million to address safety and congestion along County Road 537.
– $5.64 million for Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to construct a Secure Test Aviation Research Hangar.
– $1.49 million to restore Manitou Park School House in Berkeley Township.
– $271,498 for Dottie’s House in Brick to support clinical services at a domestic violence shelter.
– $3.2 million for a new air traffic control tower at Naval Air Station Lakehurst.
– $1 million for Belmar Borough to improve water quality at Silver Lake.
– $247,000 for Covenant House New Jersey’s statewide human trafficking prevention program in schools.
– $2 million for stormwater management improvements at Shadow Lake between Middletown and Red Bank.
– $2 million for roadway, drainage, and sewer upgrades along Cross Street Corridor in Lakewood Township.
– $1 million for Eatontown Township infrastructure repairs around Wampum Lake.
Chris Smith currently serves as the U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 4th district—a position he has held since 1981 after succeeding Frank Thompson (https://lakewoodalerts.com/rep-chris-smith-secures-275k-for-lakewood-shomrim-in-23-8m-federal-package-for-ocean-and-monmouth/). Smith was born in Rahway, New Jersey in 1953 and resides in Manchester Township. He graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1975.
