FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MAY REVIEW DECISION TO CLOSE FORT MONMOUTH
According to published reports, the Federal government may agree to look into the process that resulted in a 2005 decision to close Fort Monmouth.

U.S. Senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez and Congressmen Rush Holt and Frank Pallone signed a letter formally requesting an investigation by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). This followed an investigation by the Asbury Park Press that the cost of closing the Fort had nearly doubled in the two years since the Base Realignment and Closure Commission vote.

NEWARK BEGINS $17.5 MILLION DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS
The City of Newark has broken ground on a $17.5 million Streetscape project. The three-year project will remake 56 city blocks in the gateway area surrounding Penn Station and an additional 600 properties.

The effort will be directed by the Newark Downtown District, the city’s special improvement district (SID). It is believed to be the largest capital project in a central business area financed by a SID in New Jersey.

Developed in phases over a three-year period, the project will begin in the area surrounding the Prudential Center for the opening this fall of the New Jersey Devils hockey arena.

SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION REFORM APPROVED … BUT NO MONEY
Legislation to reform New Jersey’s school construction program was approved by the Senate and Assembly just before recessing for the summer. However, the lawmakers failed to provide additional funding to restart numerous school construction projects in urban and other communities. The legislation moves to Governor Corzine’s desk for consideration.

Senate Bill 2796 and Assembly Bill 4336 would implement key recommendations made by the Governor’s Working Group on School Construction to improve governance, operations and accountability of the program. Missing was authorization for the $3.125 billion in bond financing for approved school construction projects called for by the Working Group. The Education Law Center and groups such as Building Our Children’s Future continue to press the Legislature to follow through on funding.

LIKELY VOTERS SAY STATE COLLEGES GIVE GOOD VALUE FOR DOLLARS SPENT
State colleges and universities deliver an excellent or good education, according to 71 percent of New Jersey residents and likely voters. They say state colleges provide high value for each dollar invested.

Over half, or 51 percent, believe state colleges are affordable and six of ten say that more dorms at state colleges are an “important matter.”

GOVERNOR’S ECONOMIC CHIEF OF STAFF TO ADDRESS ALLIANCE
Gary Rose, Governor Corzine’s chief economic planner will speak before Alliance members and friends at a meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 19th, registration will begin at 9:15 a.m. and the program will start at 10:00 a.m. in the NJ Carpenters Funds Conference Room, Raritan Center, Raritan Plaza II, Edison, NJ.

Rose’s responsibilities include implementation of the Governor’s Economic Growth Strategy, creating a more favorable business climate, urban revitalization, the Energy Master Plan and port related initiatives. To register Go Here .

ASSEMBLY TRANSPORTATION CHAIRMAN TO GIVE KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT MONMOUTH COUNTY MEETING
State Assembly Transportation Committee Chairman John Wisniewski will discuss his views on the future of transportation funding, Belmar Mayor Kenneth E. Pringle will review the Seaport Village and Thomas Schulze, Project Manager for NJ Transit, will report on progress for the Trans-Hudson rail tunnel project..

The Monmouth County Alliance for Action meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 13. The meeting will be at the PNC Bank Arts Center at Exit 116 of the Garden State Parkway, with registration at 8:15 a.m. and the program at 9:00 a.m.
To register Go Here .

NEW JERSEY LABOR LEADER SERVES ON COMMITTEE FOR CURE FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
The 2nd Annual Race for the Cure to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will be held on Wednesday, July 25, at the Bridgeport Speedway in Gloucester County. Serving on the Event Committee is Alliance for Action Board member E. Frank DiAntonio, President/Business Manager of Construction and General Laborers Local 172.

WINNERS OF ALLIANCE 2007 EAGLE AWARDS ARE ANNOUNCED
The winners of the Alliance for Action’s coveted Eagle Awards for 2007 have been announced and will be awarded at the Alliance’s annual dinner on Wednesday, October 17, at the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick.

The winners are:
-Robert Binder, Chairman of Binder Machinery Company will receive the President’s Award.
-William Stavola, President of Trap Rock Industries will receive the Ellis S. Vieser Lifetime Achievement Award.
-Tom Manning, President of the New Jersey State Association of Pipe Trades and Business Manager of Steamfitters, Pipefitters and Apprentices Local 475 will receive the Sigurd Lucassen Labor Award.
- New Jersey Natural Gas will be presented with the Richard M. Hale Chairman’s Award.
- Richard Raczynski, Chief Engineer for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority will receive the Dr. John L. Buzzi Engineering Excellence Award.

ALLIANCE IN ACTION
The Monmouth County Alliance for Action will meet on Friday, July 13, in Holmdel at the PNC Bank Arts Center. To register Go Here.

Meet the Players – Gary Rose, Chief, Office of Economic Growth to register Go Here.

The Essex County Alliance for Action will meet on Friday, July 27, in Newark at the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. Newark Mayor Cory Booker has been invited to report on his first year in office. To register Go Here.

The Atlantic County Alliance for Action will meet on Friday, August 10, at the Ram’s Head Inn, Absecon. To register Go Here..

The 4th annual Golf Classic of the Foundation of the New Jersey Alliance for Action will be held on Monday, August 20, at Eagle Oaks Golf Club, Farmingdale. To reserve places, call (732) 225-1180.

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
- Susan L. Hayes has been appointed by Governor Corzine to the NJ Transit Board of Directors. She is President and CEO of Cauldwell Wingate Company LLC.

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