READINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Readington Township will receive nearly $2 million in federal funding to renovate its police department headquarters, money secured by U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. through the fiscal year 2026 Community Project Funding process.
Kean, a Republican who represents New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, presented $1,932,287 to the township last week to support upgrades to the Readington Township Police Department, which currently operates out of an aging facility.
According to officials, the funding will be used to modernize the headquarters by adding new offices, holding cells, briefing rooms and training areas. The project also includes a modern security system and upgraded technology aimed at improving communication, data sharing and emergency response capabilities.
“I am pleased to deliver nearly $2 million to Readington Township to modernize its police headquarters,” Kean said. “I am committed to supporting our law enforcement, and this investment will provide officers with the tools they need to carry out their duties safely and effectively. These strategic upgrades will ensure the department is well-equipped to continue protecting and serving every family in the Readington community.”
Local officials welcomed the funding and credited Kean for securing the grant.
“We welcome Rep. Tom Kean to Readington Township and thank him and his staff for providing us with this significant grant for our Police Department,” Mayor Juergen Huelsebusch said. “Congressman Kean continually assists the Readington community through both support services and toward the overall preservation of quality-of-life issues facing our residents.”
Deputy Mayor Vinny Panico said the funding reflects a broader commitment to public safety.
“Congressman Kean has been a consistent and reliable partner to the residents of Readington Township, and this $1.9 million investment proves it,” Panico said. “In Readington, and with Congressman Kean, public safety is not a slogan. It’s an ethos. It’s a way of life. It’s staffing. It’s training. It’s infrastructure. It’s leadership that’s willing to fight for resources for our men and women in blue.”
Police Chief Steve Rindock said the improvements will directly benefit officers and residents.
“I am extremely grateful to Congressman Kean for his continued efforts and his unwavering support of law enforcement,” Rindock said. “I look forward to maximizing every dollar of the award the Congressman has secured for the Readington Township police department and the citizens of Readington Township so they may continue to enjoy the safety and service they have become accustomed to.”
Hunterdon County Commissioner Director John E. Lanza also praised the investment.
“Investments like these are critical to ensuring our local law enforcement agencies have the space, tools, and technology they need to serve residents effectively,” Lanza said. “Congressman Kean’s dedication to securing this funding will strengthen public safety, improve day-to-day operations, and better support the officers who work tirelessly to protect our communities.”
Kean’s office said the congressman has secured more than $12 million for police departments across his district since taking office through the Community Project Funding process. All 15 projects allotted to him for fiscal year 2026 have passed the U.S. House of Representatives, officials said.
