Hunterdon County Commissioners award Milford Borough $37,500 grant for municipal office improvements

MILFORD BOROUGH, NJ (Hunterdon County) – Hunterdon County Commissioner Director Jeff Kuhl and Deputy Director Susan Soloway recently presented Milford Borough Mayor Henry Schepens with a $37,500 infrastructure grant check at the vibrant ‘Milford Alive’ event.

These important grant funds will be used for the much-anticipated conversion of the borough library building into municipal offices.

“We are happy to support Milford Borough with this grant check for the conversion of part of the library into usable municipal office space, including expanded ADA accessibility. This project will benefit all residents, with improvements that will enhance the functionality of Milford’s facilities and services for all residents. The grant award demonstrates the Board’s commitment to enhancing local infrastructure and supporting the Borough as part of a new era of partnership with municipalities,” Kuhl said.

At the Aug. 20 board meeting, the Commissioners announced the award of $1 million in municipal infrastructure grants that were dispersed to all 26 municipalities. The program allowed for the one-time grant award to support municipalities with a variety of infrastructure needs including stormwater management, removal of hazardous trees, and restoration of urban canopies, energy efficiency upgrades, and ADA improvements to municipal facilities.

“The Hunterdon County municipal grant program offers crucial funding to enhance our infrastructure, ensuring our communities are resilient and well-prepared for the future. Assisting our local government by investing in roads, public facilities, and essential services, assures that we are not only meeting immediate needs but also laying the foundation for long-term growth and stability,” Soloway said.

The grant application process for the Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program was highly competitive, with every municipality seeking funds. The total requested amount was nearly $2.5 million, for the $1 million in available funding. Applications were received from all 26 Hunterdon County municipalities and were reviewed by the outside consultants of HFA Accountants & Financial Advisors, and T&M Associates.

“These are pennies from heaven”, when reflecting upon how the grant monies will help the Borough with costs associated with the municipal office move, Milford Borough Council President Noralie LaFevre said.