MANCHESTER – The township police department will receive $1,148,000 in federal funds for emergency vehicles and other equipment.
“This federal support will enable the Manchester Police Department to continue delivering critical emergency and law enforcement services to a geographically large municipality,” said Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th). He personally secured the funds for the project through a congressional earmark that was signed into law on as part of a negotiated budget.
Smith added, “since Manchester is home to portions of Naval Air Station Lakehurst, the town’s police department is required to be prepared for emergency response in support of base activities.”
Township Mayor Robert Arace said, “the federal funding that Congressman Chris Smith has garnered for vehicles and other equipment will enable Manchester’s dedicated and esteemed police force to continue the outstanding work they do each and every day to ensure the safety and security of our community.”
Township Police Chief Robert Dolan noted however, “this is not a grant for personnel. It is for police vehicles and associated equipment only. There was no danger of staffing shortages.”
He further clarified, “the funding will replace several police patrol vehicles, easing the strain on the local budget. Thank you to Congressman Smith’s office for recognizing that addressing these issues would lighten the burden on local taxpayers.”
“Currently, we have five first-line patrol vehicles whose mileage exceeds 100,000 miles. Projections for this year predict that thirteen additional patrol vehicles will surpass 100,000 miles, bringing the total to eighteen vehicles approaching or exceeding 100,000 miles,” the chief said.
Chief Dolan said, “our studies conclude that a Manchester police vehicle is on the road answering calls about 30,000 miles per year. There are 34 marked cars available to our 76 police officers in our 85-square-mile township.
“The funds will be used to purchase replacement patrol vehicles to be utilized off-road and an Animal Control Van that was put into service in 2014 and is approaching 135,000 miles. With the funds that Congressman Smith has generously supported for the police department, I hope to purchase six patrol vehicles, three off-road patrol vehicles, and an animal control van. The partnership between Congressman Smith, Mayor Arace, and our Township Council will help tremendously, and I am thankful for the assistance,” the chief added.
Smith said securing an earmark is not a guarantee and commended Mayor Arace for identifying a need that fit with the federal funding Smith could tap. “I thank Mayor Arace for his leadership and for working with me to provide the substantive data we used to win this funding.”
Smith noted that the Manchester’s geographic makeup demands more frequent maintenance for patrol vehicles to ensure law enforcement officers can continue to do their jobs effectively.
“Manchester Township has a very large geographic footprint being spread out over an area of 85 square miles, with areas that are heavily wooded and prone to inclement weather due to proximity to the Atlantic Ocean,” the congressman added.
The official said, “as a result, patrol vehicles suffer significant wear and tear, compromising the department’s ability to respond to emergencies across town and requiring vehicles to be sent for maintenance and unavailable for emergency response.”
Safe Drinking Water
Smith also secured $2,250,000 in federal funding to upgrade and expand the neighboring Lakehurst Water Treatment Plant, which helps provide safe drinking water for Lakehurst and Manchester.
“This critical project will help ensure access to safe and clean drinking water for Manchester residents – including those living in single-family homes and nursing home units alike – in place of private wells contaminated by perfluoro octane sulfonate (PFOS),” Smith added.
Lakehurst Mayor Harry Robbins told The Manchester Times, “We’ve been working on the water treatment plant upgrade for some time.” He was pleased with the news that would allow for the plant to upgrade its electronic systems and filters.
“The cost of the chemicals we use has tripled. Everything will go to a computer programming that will allow the supervisor to make any necessary changes with his laptop,” Mayor Robbins said. That would include a quick response to any alarm within the operation to switch a pump or modify a chemical agent for the system.
The plant, which was completed in 1966 and last upgraded over 20 years ago, currently treats 300 gallons per minute. New funds will allow for its capacity to increase to 600 gallons per minute.
“This will bring us into the 21st century,” the mayor added. He said the borough’s Department Head of Utilities Brian Lavance has a special license and this will upgrade will make it easier to make quick and necessary changes.
Mayor Robbins also stressed “this is not a grant. Rates would have skyrocketed if we had to privatize the operation.” Robbins said the borough operated “a small utility but we are up with the technology and cyber security which is important.”
The project includes the completion of all piping and water system apparatus associated with the interconnect vaults. In addition to bringing the existing plant into compliance with pending regulations, the infrastructure upgrade will also improve the water system resiliency.
Mayor Arace expressed his gratitude to Smith “for his invaluable assistance with the vital water connection project in Lakehurst. His collaboration with Mayor Robbins of Lakehurst and me has been instrumental in enhancing our agencies and infrastructure, improving the quality of life for our residents.”
