Carteret, NJ – Mayor Dan Reiman and the Carteret Business Partnership have announced that Borough Emergency Service Departments have been approved for $100,000 grant as part of its 2009-2010 SID budget. The grant has been awarded for the acquisition of various equipment for the Carteret Fire Department, Police Department, and Office of Emergency Management.
Carteret’s SID (Special Improvement District) is a private-sector non-profit organization established through a municipal ordinance, providing legislative powers to a District Management Corporation (DMC) comprised of local business leaders and investors, who levy a special property tax on commercial property, which in turn funds improvements to Carteret’s business districts.
Carteret’s DMC, the “Carteret Business Partnership,” was established in 2003. Since then its Board of Directors, comprised of volunteers, has initiated a range of streetscape improvements, business startup programs, and emergency service equipment upgrades. Since its inception the SID has allocated $5 million towards commercial streetscape enhancements.
Over $300,000 has been provided to local emergency services since its establishment.
Funding will be provided according to a needs assessment, according to Economic Development Director Kathaleen Shaw:
Office of Emergency Management $10,000
Police Department $20,000
Fire Department $10,000
Police (Inter-local Transfers) $50,000
Emergency Services (reserve) $10,000
The Carteret Police Department’s allocation will be used to purchase Mobile Data Computers (MDCs) for installation in its vehicles, allowing police officers to access vehicle registrations, drivers licenses, and NCIC checks for warrants and wanted persons through a wireless network. Fire and OEM will apply grant funding towards specialized equipment and water rescue training.
“We are fortunate to have such a strong business community,” Mayor Reiman stated, “that has shared ideas and strategies for improving Carteret, and the quality of our Emergency Service Departments. I’m sure many of the improvements we will see this year will be owed in no small part to the Carteret Business Partnership, who have recognized the demands placed on these services in this fast-paced urban community, along with the kind of equipment needed to provide the best possible service. This is a great example of progress achieved through the teamwork of the public and private sectors.”
