Governor McGreevey
“Celebrates New Jersey” in Mercer County

Announces plans for pedestrian bridge in Lawrence, Starts off Trenton Thunder baseball game, Enjoys Mercer County 4-H Fair

Tours PRINCETON STATE POLICE HEADQUARTERS

The Governor toured the State Police Headquarters in Princeton, Mercer County. The Princeton State Police headquarters is equipped with training grounds for the area’s Technical Emergency And Missions Specialists (TEAMS) unit, a 10 member tactical squad that is called first during an emergency situation.

“New Jersey State Troopers should be commended for the work they do every day in the service of the people of our State,” Governor McGreevey said. “The extraordinary effort that these highly trained men and women put forth every day is a testament to their determination and courage.”

During the Governor’s tour of the grounds, he was given a demonstration by the TEAMS unit on the Firearms Automated Training System (FATS) simulator. The FATS machine projects computer generated shoot/don’t shoot scenarios on screen for the Troopers. The TEAMS unit has been trained as first responders on land and in the water in the event of an emergency. The tactical squad, which has a wide assortment of weapons training, also includes skilled snipers.

ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR D&R CANAL PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE IN LAWRENCE

Governor James E. McGreevey, along with Commissioner of the Department of Transportation James Fox, visited Lawrence Township to announce the construction of a new pedestrian/bicycle bridge over Route 1.

“Currently, the Delaware & Raritan Canal recreational towpath is blocked by the Route 1 Bridge over the canal. Pedestrians and bicyclists are forced to proceed along and across Route 1 to eventually reach the other side and continue down the canal,” said McGreevey. “As a solution to this problem, the Department of Transportation will be constructing a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Route 1 to provide a continuous multi-purpose path along the D&R Canal State Park.”

"Pedestrian safety has often been overlooked in the past, but not by this Administration. Our project will provide a safe crossing over Route 1 for people using the Delaware and Raritan Canal. It is important that we provide access for people who enjoy using the canal for recreational purposes," said Fox.

The DOT will construct a 43-meter span steel bow truss bridge with a concrete filled metal deck. An 85-meter ramp will be constructed on each side of the span, parallel to Route1. The project will cost an estimated $4.7 million, which is federally funded.

“The 70-mile Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is one of central New Jersey's most popular recreational corridors for canoeing, jogging, hiking, bicycling, fishing and horseback riding,” said McGreevey. “This linear park is also a valuable wildlife corridor connecting many of New Jersey’s fields and forests.”

The D&R Canal is on the State and National Register of Historic Places, and serve as part of the National Recreation Trail System. Thirty-six miles of the main canal and 22 miles of the feeder canal still exist, with many historic structures along its entire length. For nearly a century after it opened, the D&R Canal was one of America's busiest navigation canals.

STARTS OFF TRENTON THUNDER BASEBALL GAME

This evening, the Governor will also say the Pledge of Allegiance at the Trenton Thunder Baseball Game.

“There’s nothing more American than baseball,” said Governor McGreevey. “Minor League baseball has provided New Jerseyans with good, clean, affordable, fun for the whole family and I encourage anyone visiting the State to enjoy a game at one of our baseball stadiums.”

The Trenton Thunder is an official member of Minor League Baseball. They are the AA Affiliate for the Boston Red Sox and play in the Eastern League. The current Thunder team was created in 1994 and the team plays its games at Mercer County Waterfront Park. Current Major Leaguers Nomar Garciaparra, Trot Nixon, Shea Hillenbrand, David Eckstein, Jeff Suppan, and Ryan McGuire played for the Thunder in the past.

Average attendance for minor league baseball has been rising in recent years and the Thunder average 5,477 fans per game. The highest-priced single game ticket for a Thunder home baseball game is $8, and children under 5 are admitted free with a parent.

ENJOYS MERCER COUNTY 4-H FAIR

Governor James E. McGreevey visited the Mercer County 4-H Fair, an annual event that has been held for 84 years and draws about 10,000 to 15,000 people over three days.

The Governor thanked the young people taking part in 4-H activities in Mercer county.

“You are living up to the 4-H pledge,” said the Governor, “by dedicating your hearts, your hands, your heads, and your health to improving your community and the world. Thank you all for your dedication to our state, to your community, and to your role as responsible and productive citizens.”

“Celebrate New Jersey” is a 10-day tour throughout the State during which the Governor will celebrate New Jersey’s unique culture and heritage, while continuing to advance his Administration’s commitment to investing in New Jersey’s future through educational and economic development initiatives. “Celebrate New Jersey” will run through Wednesday, July 31st and will include stops in all 21 counties.

Today, the Governor will also “Celebrate New Jersey” in Somerset County by touring redevelopment efforts in Manville and by highlighting the P.A.C.E.R. reading program at Franklin Township Library. Tomorrow the Governor will “Celebrate New Jersey” in Hunterdon and Morris Counties.