CAMDEN – Governor Phil Murphy today visited the City of Camden to highlight the direct investments to the city included in the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY2023) budget. Governor Murphy has prioritized investing in New Jersey’s communities and key infrastructure projects across the state and reaffirmed that commitment through historic levels of funding in his FY2023 budget.

“It is a real pleasure to be back in historic Camden today as we highlight the significant investments to the city in this year’s budget,” said Governor Murphy. “Camden is a city on the rise, and these investments will go towards refurbishing stores and streets, making them more attractive and inviting with fresh paint and repaired brickwork, and new windows and signage, while also bringing in some much-needed upgrades for safety and security. I look forward to a continued partnership with Mayor Victor Carstarphen and the City Council to further invest in the bright future of the city.”

“The State’s ongoing investments in the City of Camden have netted positive results for the city’s residents who rely on supplemental funding for access to affordable housing, social programming, infrastructure upgrades and neighborhood improvements,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “The Fiscal Year 2023 Budget doubles down on our holistic effort to make Camden a place where people can work, learn, raise a family and live a good quality of life.”

The FY2023 budget provides Camden with critical funding toward municipal assistance and meeting capital needs, and to support property tax relief. This funding includes over $100 million in Municipal Aid, which includes over $5 million from this fiscal year’s Municipal Relief Fund. The budget also makes major investments—over $80 million—in important projects through the city, the county, and its Improvement Authority, including:

• $35 million to demolish vacant structures through the Camden County Improvement Authority
• $15 million for the Camden County Courthouse Regional Corrections Center Initiative
• $10 million for Camden County’s work to rehabilitate Admiral Wilson Boulevard West
• $10 million for Camden County’s Park and Trails Program
• $5 million for the Camden Housing Fund Initiative to further the development and construction of safe and affordable places for families to call home
• $5 million for citywide improvements for pedestrian safety
• $2 million for Camden Works to initiate a pilot shuttle-bus program to help connect more residents with available jobs
• $600,000 for social services provided to individuals experiencing homelessness by Joseph’s House of Camden

The Governor also underscored additional investments from FY2022 Transitional Aid funds – in addition to the FY2023 appropriations to the city and county noted above, the City of Camden will receive a $24.085 million direct investment to complete critical need projects, including:

• $3 million for upgrades to City Hall and city facilities
• $3 million for upgrades to the Metro Police Department
• $10 million for road paving and upgrades
• $2 million for Department of Public Works equipment
• $2 million for illegal dump site remediation
• $4.085 million for sewer and water infrastructure upgrades

“Camden is home to a significant population of low income households within the State,” said Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez. “This vital appropriation will be used to strengthen the city’s infrastructure including an investment in long-needed sewer and water upgrades, while increasing available resources for all residents. After recent incidents of gun violence, this additional funding is extremely crucial to assist and improve law enforcement agencies within the city. On behalf of the residents of Camden, we are extremely grateful to the Governor and my fellow Legislators for supporting this budget and this sorely needed transitional aid.”

“The additional funding provided through the Municipal Aid Funding in the budget will be essential to supporting capital improvements and local services in Camden for residents,” said Assemblymembers Bill Spearman and Bill Moen. “This is a major investment into our communities and helps to ensure less reliance on property tax dollars to fund these projects, a real relief for residents.”

“I thank Governor Phil Murphy and Local Government Services Director Jacquelyn Suarez for supporting the City of Camden and my administration,” said Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen. “This announcement will signify the largest Supplement to Transitional Aid in Camden’s history.  The $24 Million in supplemental transitional aid will not only support Camden’s public safety efforts, it will help to reduce illegal dumping, help to bolster ongoing improvements to our water, sewer and infrastructure systems and will leverage millions more in Federal, State, County and local resources already being invested citywide.  We are fully committed to improving the quality of life for the children, youth and families of Camden.”

“I want to applaud the Governor for this unprecedented investment in our county seat that will create long-term benefits for years to come for our residents,” said Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. “He understands the importance and impact this money will have on services making the city a safer place to live, work and raise a family.”