New Jersey Department of Education

NJDOE News

For More Information Contact the Public Information Office:
    Tom Rosenthal
    Rich Vespucci
    609-292-1126

For Release: August 14, 2002

Department of Education Grants Preliminary Approval
For Construction Project in Pompton Lakes

The Department of Education today announced preliminary approval of a construction project at the Lincoln Elementary School in Pompton Lakes, Passaic County.

The district had submitted an application to upgrade the electrical system at the school. The upgrade carries a total project cost of $92,500.

As proposed, the project would enable the district to install new electrical service, a new service switchboard, a new main distribution panel and new branch circuit panels throughout the school.

In granting preliminary approval to the project, the Department of Education has determined that the plans are consistent with education laws and regulations governing school facilities. The Department of Education has advised local school officials of several administrative steps they must follow to complete the application process. The district must:

After receiving the district's response, the Department of Education will notify the district of the final costs eligible for state funding. The Department of Education has determined the preliminary costs eligible for funding the project to be $92,500. The state's share of this project would equal $37,000, or 40 percent, of this amount. If the district elects to have the state Economic Development Authority construct the project, state support will be in the form of a grant.

State regulations require that before construction can begin, all school facilities projects have local support. For most districts, such support comes from an approved voter referendum.

State funding of this project comes from $8.6 billion appropriated under the landmark Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act. The law was enacted to make unprecedented amounts of state funds available to help meet a critical need for new, safe and updated schools throughout New Jersey.