Over $1M in grants aid police, recreation N.J. 911 Commission funds equipment for emergency services BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer OLD BRIDGE - Two grants awarded to the township this week will bring improvements to services and infrastructure. "It's a very good day for Old Bridge," Mayor Jim Phillips said. "That's over a million dollars in grants we're receiving this week." A grant of $547,997 from the New Jersey 911 Commission will help to enhance the township's emergency response systems. Of the total, $489,000 will go toward police equipment, including computers, monitors and radio transmitters, Phillips said. The remaining general assistance grant of $58,997 will be allocated for things like software and licensing fees. "The technology is changing so quickly," Phillips said. "We've always tried to be in the vanguard of these things." Though the town has received the general assistance grant in past years, this is the first time Old Bridge has secured an equipment grant from the 911 Commission, according to Phillips. In comparison to Old Bridge, Phillips said Monmouth County as a whole received $350,000. He said it demonstrates the township's ability to secure necessary grant funding. The actual funds from the grant will be given to the township within six months, Phillips said. The second grant, totaling $500,000, comes from the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Funds will be used for infrastructure work at Mannino Park, which will pave the way for the construction of the YMCA community center, Phillips said. "This money is definitely needed," Phillips said. "It will be used to offset the cost of the community center." Included in the work funded by the grant will be stormwater management, excavation, sewer pipes, access roads, lighting, and land preparation. Phillips said he is hoping the contract for the YMCA will go out to bid immediately. This is the third year Old Bridge has received the grant at its maximum level, Phillips said. In 2005, the funds were used to light athletic facilities in the town. Last year, the money was allocated toward construction of baseball fields at Mannino Park. Contracts have been awarded for those fields, and ground-breaking is slated for mid-July, according to Phillips. The total costs for the aquatic center, YMCA and accompanying infrastructure will be between $8 million and $9 million. Of that total, Phillips said, $3 million has come from the county freeholders and the rest will be sought through private contributions. Phillips said the YMCA community center will be of use to all residents, with programs and services for people of all ages and interests. "This is good news for Old Bridge," Phillips said.