Community Corner

Metuchen May Soon Get $1M To Renovate, Equip New Emergency Service Center

The Borough is now one step closer to significantly alleviating the cost of this crucial project, the Mayor said.

METUCHEN, NJ – The House of Representatives Appropriations Committee recently approved $1.023 in federal funding to renovate and equip a new emergency service center, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. said.

The project was included in the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security annual spending bill. The next step involves getting the bill passed into law by the full Appropriations panel and sending it to the House floor.

The funding will be used to help replace Metuchen’s current Office of Emergency Management facilities, including a newer, larger facility that will include advanced communications equipment, new training facilities, and storage for emergency equipment and supplies.

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The building will also include a conference room to serve as a gathering and coordination space for all emergency department heads and Borough leaders during emergency events and a call and dispatch center.

“Helping our local communities meet security challenges and emergencies is one of the most important things the federal government can do,” Pallone said.

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“This critical step will allow first responders in Metuchen to renovate and freshly equip the Borough’s new Emergency Services Center with top-notch technology capabilities. Once this center is up and running, it will give our residents both needed aid and peace of mind that they will be better protected during emergencies. I will continue to push for this funding to move forward and be signed into law.”

After the vote in the Appropriations Committee next week, officials hope the bill reaches the House floor by June 24.

Mayor Jonathan M. Bush said he was "optimistic" that Congress will prioritize, adopt and send the spending bill to the President in the Fall.

“We are so grateful for our partnership with Congressman Pallone and his staff, who are always looking for ways to help improve Metuchen. If approved by Congress, these funds will help alleviate some of the burden off our taxpayers as we construct our much-needed new Emergency Services Center,” Mayor Jonathan Busch said.

The funding for this project was requested by Congressman Pallone in the Fiscal Year 2025 annual spending bill.

Each year, members of the U.S. House may request projects in their district to provide direct federal funding that addresses the biggest needs in their communities.

The updated Emergency Services Center will be located at 500 Main Street in Metuchen.

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