Kean highlights $137,500 in federal funding for roof replacement at Chester building

CHESTER, N.J. (Morris County) — U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. visited Chester this week to highlight $137,500 in federal funding included in a House appropriations bill for the replacement of the roof at the Highlands Ridge Building.

The funding would support the replacement of the building’s 22,000-square-foot flat roof, which is failing in multiple locations and allowing water to enter the facility.

The building houses several organizations and agencies that provide services to the Chester community, including the Chester Volunteer First Aid Squad, Atlantic Health emergency medical services, Chester Township Office of Emergency Management, New Jersey Highlands Council, Chester-Mendham Food Pantry, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Chester Historical Society.

“The Highlands Ridge Building is vital to the operations of the Chester Volunteer First Aid Squad, Atlantic Health EMT services, the Chester Township Office of Emergency Management, the NJ Highlands Council, the Chester-Mendham Food Pantry, and NJ Department of Environmental Protection, and the Chester Historical Society but its roof is failing in multiple places,” said Congressman Kean. “I was pleased to secure this federal funding for Chester to help ensure that these agencies can continue working for the people of Chester.”

Chester Township Mayor Tim Drag thanked Kean for his efforts to secure the funding, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the facility for the organizations that operate there.

“Chester is grateful for the federal funding secured by Congressman Kean,” said Chester Township Mayor Tim Drag. “The Chester Highlands Building serves as a home to numerous organizations that provide critical services to our community, and ensuring they have a safe, secure roof over their heads is essential. Without this building, many residents would lose access to vital resources and support. We sincerely appreciate Congressman Kean’s efforts to secure this funding and help protect this important community asset.”

Assemblyman Mike Inganamort also expressed support for the project, citing the building’s role in providing services throughout Morris County.

“We deeply appreciate Congressman Kean’s efforts to secure this federal funding for the Chester Highlands Building, a valuable resource for our community,” said Assemblyman Mike Inganamort. “This facility plays a vital role in supporting organizations that provide essential services to Morris County residents. By addressing the building’s roofing needs, Congressman Kean’s advocacy will help ensure these organizations can continue their important work in a safe and reliable space.”

The proposed roof replacement is intended to stop water infiltration and prevent further damage to the building while allowing the organizations housed there to continue their operations.

In July, Kean announced that 18 Community Project Funding requests submitted by his office, totaling $17,765,906, were included in House funding bills for the upcoming fiscal year.

The $137,500 for the Highlands Ridge Building is included in a House appropriations bill and remains subject to the federal budget approval process.