Marlboro Gets $930K In Federal Funds For Emergency Dispatch

MARLBORO, NJ — Among the $11.5 million in federal funds coming to the 3rd Congressional District is an allocation of $930,000 for upgrades to Marlboro Township's emergency telecommunications services.

Third District Rep. Andy Kim, D-NJ, announced the appropriation, part of Community Project Funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The total $11.5 million will help fund 14 projects in his district, which covers communities in Burlington, Mercer, and Monmouth counties, including Marlboro.

And Marlboro's local dispatch services will benefit.

In November of 2022, the town approved a big investment in new equipment, and Mayor Jonathan Hornik applauded news of this federal appropriation:

"This $930,000 grant will help provide first responders with the equipment necessary to operate on this new system. My thanks to the Township Council for its support, and to Congressman Andy Kim and Senator Cory Booker for recognizing the critical importance of this public safety improvement project," Hornik said.

The $930,000 will go toward upgrading all telecommunications services used by the Marlboro Township Police Department, enhancing public safety and community policing efforts, Kim's office noted.

In November of 2022, the Marlboro Township Council voted to keep police, emergency medical, and fire dispatch local, with approximately $4 million allocated to pay for upgrades to improve the system.

Hornik said Tuesday that "As Mayor, I strongly believe that having Marlboro employees perform the dispatching services for Police, Fire and First Aid (EMS) best serves our residents. Because the safety and welfare of this community is my most important priority, I proposed the first significant upgrade to the Township’s communication system in decades, leveraging a state of-the-art infrastructure established by the New Jersey State Police."

In unanimous votes, the council in 2022 approved a resolution authorizing a New Jersey Interoperable Communications System user agreement with the state, and it authorized a contract with Motorola, Inc. for communications equipment and accessories for the local Department of Public Safety.

Hornik, who had consistently supported keeping the service local despite some previous suggestions to consider a contract with Monmouth County, said at the time that "This is the best way to keep the township self-sufficient."

You can read more about that vote and how telecommunications will be improved in this past Patch article.