As part of a weeklong celebration of Earth Day, Governor Jon S. Corzine visited Park Avenue Elementary School, an example of how New Jersey's school construction program is generating jobs while simultaneously providing sustainable, environmentally-friendly schools. The Governor also announced that the state's school construction program created or saved 4,500 jobs in March.

"We believe that environmentally responsible construction and job creation go hand in hand," Governor Corzine said. "The work at Park Avenue Elementary School demonstrates how our school construction program is stimulating the economy in a way that also provides sustainable, environmentally friendly schools.

Constructed in 1880, Park Avenue Elementary school is the oldest public school structure still in use in Orange. In addition to the renovation, the project includes a 68,527-square-foot addition which will include a gymnasium, cafeteria, media center and eight classrooms. The project also includes two playgrounds.

Over the life of this project, approximately 322 jobs will have been created or saved. It is a microcosm of the statewide program, which is generating thousands of jobs for our citizens, the Governor said.

The school construction program is central to the state's effort to mitigate the effects of the national recession through job creation. The SDA has accelerated projects in response to Governor Corzine's direction to advance his Economic Assistance and Recovery Plan. The SDA plans to begin preliminary or full construction of 27 projects in 2009, with job creation expected to accelerate in the latter half of the year as more projects break ground. Overall, the SDA will invest $1.3 billion in 27 Capital Plan projects in 2009. Over the life of these projects, the SDA expects to create or save approximately 11,000 jobs.