State and Federal FundingWill Support Improved Recreational Opportunities and Green Infrastructure

PERTH AMBOY – Governor Phil Murphy today announced community investments to promote access to open space, expand recreational opportunities, and enhance green infrastructure in Perth Amboy. The $6 million project, which supports improvements to the Veterans Memorial Youth League Complex, is partly funded by the Department of Environmental Protection’s  Green Acres program ($1.2 million), the Perth Amboy’s Open Space Acquisition and Improvement line item in the Department of Community Affairs budget ($2 million over Fiscal Year 2022 and Fiscal Year 2023), and an earmarked Federal Appropriation for Community Projects ($1.5 million).

“Enabled by an all-of-government approach to comprehensive community investments, the improvements we begin in earnest today will be transformational to the Perth Amboy of tomorrow,” said Governor Murphy. “For far too long, overburdened communities in New Jersey – and throughout the nation as a whole – have not enjoyed equitable access to green, open space and its host of accompanying physical and mental health benefits. Today, my Administration reaffirms once again that our state can only flourish if we cultivate the conditions necessary for our children to live safe and healthy lives in the communities they call home.”

“A big part of what makes a community healthy and vibrant is giving residents the opportunity to take a walk, play a game, and participate in sports and other activities with friends and neighbors in a safe and accessible place,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who also serves as Department of Community Affairs Commissioner. “For these reasons, DCA is proud to contribute in a meaningful way to the improvement of the Veterans Memorial Youth League Complex, which will benefit people in the community for years and years to come.”

“Today is a great day for the residents of Perth Amboy. Thanks to investment from federal and state governments, we’re going to begin making overdue improvements to the Veterans Memorial Youth League Complex Park,” said U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. “I’m glad I was able to secure $1.5 million in a House spending bill for the city to invest in recreation and sports fields for young people that will greatly enhance the park’s value for students and residents alike.”

“It’s exciting to see local, State, and Federal resources come together to revitalize open spaces in Perth Amboy. Improvements to the Veterans Memorial Youth League Complex will provide families and residents of the city with new opportunities for recreation,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “This is just one example of the investments being made in communities throughout the State to ensure all New Jersey residents have access to enjoyable, outdoor recreational opportunities.”

“Every New Jersey community deserves quality open and green spaces with facilities that provide children safe places to play and for people to gather in their neighborhoods,” said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “Projects such as this build upon the Murphy Administration’s significant investments in recreational opportunities and environmental justice initiatives to improve quality of life for families here in Perth Amboy and across New Jersey, today and in the future.”

“These renovations represent our city’s path to SMART infrastructure and the vital role our parks play in the physical well-being of our city,” said Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin Caba. “This is what we have been advocating for a long time, and most grateful for announcing this today.  And to be able to accomplish the funding is crucial.  Today also demonstrates the efficacy at all levels of government and that it works for our residents.”

“Parks, in general, give us relief from work and school as well as from the isolation of our modern lives,” said Perth Amboy Superintendent of Recreation Kenneth Ortiz. “These improvements will increase the park’s uses and expand the recreational opportunities for present and future generations.”