(TRENTON)—Governor James E. McGreevey signed into law today legislation that would revitalize Camden as a ‘university city’ by rebuilding its infrastructure, improving public safety and increasing fiscal and governmental accountability.   The Governor was joined by Camden Mayor Gwendolyn Faison, State Senator Wayne Bryant, Assemblyman Joe Roberts and Assemblywoman Nilsa Cruz-Perez.

 

“This new law will provide Camden with the tools it needs for progress and economic growth,” said McGreevey.  “This legislation provides the resources needed for improved infrastructure, housing, business, university and medical facilities.  More importantly, it is a long term solution that will position Camden for substantial increases in private investment.”

 

"Today brings renewed hope of a fresh beginning for Camden and all of southern New Jersey.  My legislation that the Governor signed puts into action a block-by-block strategy to rebuild Camden's neighborhoods, invest in the region's educational and health care system and strengthen the city's tax base.  This initiative will bring an unprecedented level of resources and a refreshing spirit of state and local partnership for the betterment of Camden," said Senator Bryant.
 

"This comprehensive initiative will set the foundation for Camden's road to self-sufficiency," said Assembly Majority Leader Joseph J. Roberts Jr. "A few generations ago, Camden was the nucleus of South Jersey and home to an abundance of jobs and retail establishments. By building on the city's remaining strengths, Camden once again can become an economic and cultural engine for the region."

 

“Because of the leadership of Governor McGreevey and my colleagues, Senator Bryant and Assemblyman Roberts, the bill being signed into law today represents a vision that will uplift the City of Camden and its residents by revitalizing its neighborhoods, strengthening its schools and using renewed universities, hospitals and entertainment venues as the platform for its rebirth,” said Assemblywoman Cruz-Perez.

 

“This legislation provides Camden with the resources we need to rebuild and revitalize the City, and to improve the quality of life for our residents,” said Mayor Faison. “We anticipate receiving additional private investment that will result from the State’s investment.”

 

Over the next three years the bill allocates $175 million to the city of Camden.  To ensure success, a State Economic Recovery Board will be established to oversee the process.  The Board will be comprised of cabinet members, members selected by the Governor, the legislature, and representatives of local government.    

 

A major component of the state’s investment will go towards the creation of the Higher Education and Regional Health Care Development Fund.  State funding of $47.7 million will be used to leverage over $35 million in other public/private investments for the development of more than half a million square feet of higher education and medical center space in the city.  The result is an infusion of over $82.5 million into the city of Camden.

 

Participating institutions include Camden County Community College, Cooper Hospitals/University Health Center, Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, Partners in Health, Rowan University, Rutgers University, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), and Virtua Hospital.

 

“Government can serve as an economic catalyst in the renewal of Camden.  Our administration has worked side by side with Mayor Faison and area church groups, as well as with leaders in the healthcare and higher education communities,” said McGreevey. “Such collaborative efforts have resulted in a plan that will empower residents, improve their quality of life and bring economic investment to the city of Camden.

 

“Senator Wayne Bryant, Assembly Majority Leader Joe Roberts, and Assemblywoman Nilsa Cruz-Perez should be commended for their leadership in ensuring Camden’s revitalization,” said McGreevey. “Their commitment and hard work has resulted in a plan that will make Camden a city that will serve as a vital hospital and university district for both the city and the entire region.”

 

To enhance the State’s investment in the City, to provide accountability and to improve education for the City’s children, the new law allows the Governor to immediately appoint three members to the Camden Board of Education. By the spring of 2003, the Board will consist of three appointments by the Governor, three appointments by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council, and three members elected at large.   The Governor will have veto power over the minutes of the Camden Board of Education.

 

Assembly Bill 2054 was sponsored by Assembly Majority Leader Joe Roberts (D-Camden/Gloucester), Assemblywoman Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-Camden/Gloucester), and Assemblyman George Geist (R-Camden/Gloucester). An identical version of the bill, Senate Bill 428, was sponsored by Senator Wayne Bryant (D-Camden/Gloucester) and Senator Martha Bark (R-Camden/Gloucester).  The bill was co-sponsored by Senator Diane Allen (R-Burlington/Camden) and Senator Joseph Kyrillos (R-Middlesex/Monmouth).