FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

August 15, 2022

Booker Hosts Roundtable Discussion to Highlight Impact of the American Rescue Plan Act on Local Communities

Clinton, NJ – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) hosted a roundtable discussion with Hunterdon County mayors, elected officials, and business owners about funding received through the American Rescue Plan Act that was used to promote the county’s tourism sector. Booker was a strong supporter of the American Recue Plan that ensured the financial security of local communities in New Jersey during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hunterdon County received $250,000 from the American Rescue Plan to accelerate tourism in the county. The funding was used to support the Explore Hunterdon initiative, which invites visitors from the greater Northeast region to the county and experience the county’s vineyards, breweries, farms, historic downtowns, and restaurants.

“As today’s roundtable discussion highlighted, the American Rescue Plan Act has been a lifeline to local communities that were struggling due to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sen. Booker. “With this funding, Hunterdon County has been able to build a stronger, more resilient economy that promotes tourism to the region and highlights the many local sites in the area, from natural trails to museums, vineyards, and restaurants. I was proud to vote for the American Rescue Plan and am encouraged to see the lasting impact that it is having for our state.”

“As a Hunterdon resident, I am grateful to have helped deliver resources through the American Rescue Plan to support our local economy and ensure everyone can experience Hunterdon County’s natural beauty and unique history,” said Representative Tom Malinowski (D-NJ-07)

“As a mayor of a small community that has benefitted directly from the ARP funding that Senator Booker fought for we are grateful to have the opportunity to share with him how those funds are creating opportunities in Hunterdon county through the tourism initiative our county commissioners supported,” said Janice Kovach, Mayor of the Town of Clinton.

“I was grateful for the opportunity to welcome Sen. Booker to Hunterdon County and talk about issues important to the local economy, such as tourism, and to showcase the county’s new tourism initiative,” said John Lanza, Director of the Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners.

“As Hunterdon County looks to find sustainable avenues for economic development, tourism tops the list of viable options. Hunterdon County offers the perfect platform to share quintessential agro-tourism and heritage tourism options,” said Paul Muir, Mayor of Bethlehem Township and Executive Director of the Red Mill Museum Village, a popular tourist attraction and site of today’s roundtable. “The additional support and funding from ARP supported by Senator Booker will prove beneficial as Hunterdon County creates more awareness of our tourism experiences.”

Today’s event was part of Booker’s 2022 Jersey Summer Road Trip, a series of stops highlighting the priorities he continues to fight for in the U.S. Senate on behalf of the state’s residents. The road trip will focus on Booker’s ongoing commitment to serving New Jersey’s veterans, his efforts to secure congressionally directed spending for critical New Jersey projects and organizations, and his support of local businesses and industries, among other things.