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 Final Approval
For Two Construction Projects in Shamong Township

The Department of Education today announced final approval of two separate construction projects at the Indian Mills Elementary School, Shamong Township, Burlington County. When concluded, the projects will result in a new roof and new fire alarm system for the school.

In separate projects, the school district will replace old fire alarm systems in three sections of the school with a system that is compatible with one controller; and to replace the school's leaky roof. The new fire alarm system carries a total estimated project cost of $72,233; the new roof carries a total estimated project cost of $162,288.

In order to receive final approval, the school district had to agree to construct the project as described in its application, to accept the state's determination of the preliminary eligible project costs, and decide on whether to be reimbursed for some of the project cost through a grant or in the form of state aid (debt service aid). Since Shamong has decided to seek state support for this project through a grant, the project plans have been sent to the state Economic Development Authority for processing.

The Department of Education has determined the final eligible cost for funding the fire alarm project to be $72,233. The final eligible cost for funding the new roof is $162,288. The state's share of funding these projects is estimated at $28,893 for the new fire alarm system, and $64,915 for the new roof. In both cases, the state's share equals 40 percent of the eligible project costs.

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.