Governor Highlights New Economic Recovery Legislation

Public-Private Partnerships to enhance Higher Education

MONTCLAIR - Calling it a solid investment in our state's institutions of higher learning, Governor Jon S. Corzine today visited the campus of Montclair University to highlight how the State's new recovery legislation will benefit college students and spur the economy.

"This is a new era in higher education in New Jersey -- an era where the private sector is a full partner in our efforts to expand educational opportunities, open the bounds of human knowledge, and unleash the entrepreneurial spirit," Governor Corzine said. "Most importantly, everybody wins: New Jersey's college students, New Jersey businesses, and New Jersey workers."

On Monday, Governor Corzine signed additional economic recovery legislation that provides New Jersey with the tools to further reinvigorate the economy by providing grants for new development and gives state colleges and universities a new means to finance critical infrastructure projects.

Through the new legislation, colleges and universities can enter into public-private partnerships, allowing private developers to construct much-needed facilities including student housing, student centers, performing arts centers, even research facilities.

Montclair State University is an example of the urgent need and a demand for thousands more campus residential opportunities for New Jersey students. With its consistently growing enrollment, Montclair can only house 3,200 of the 18,000 students enrolled for the fall 2009 term.  Under the new legislation, there is potential for development opportunities to address these needs.

"We want more of our bright, creative, energetic young people to stay in New Jersey for their college education, to attend one of New Jersey's great colleges or universities, and to contribute their skills and talents to the state's workforce," said Susan A. Cole, President, Montclair State University. "Our students deserve the kind of modern facilities that make a first-rate education possible.  The Stimulus Act is a hugely important step toward making that possible."

 ###

 Get our press releases via RSS at: feed://nj.gov/governor/news/news/2009/approved/rss.xml

 Photos from Governor Corzine's public events are available at <www.nj.gov/governor/news>

 Video from the Governor's Office is available at <www.nj.gov/governor/news/video> and <www.youtube.com/user/jonscorzine>