Gov. Phil Murphy visited Camden July 27 to trumpet more than $200 million in direct investments to the city toward key infrastructure needs, upgrades and capital projects.

More than $180 million was allocated from the recently passed Fiscal Year 2023 budget while Camden will receive another $24 million from Fiscal Year 2022 Transitional Aid funds.

“It is a real pleasure to be in historic Camden today as we highlight the significant investment to the city in this year’s budget,” said Murphy, who was flanked at the event by several state and local officials. “Camden is a city on the rise, and these investments will go toward refurbishing stores and streets, making them more attractive and inviting with fresh paint and repaired brickwork, and new windows and signage, while also bringing in some much-needed upgrades for safety and security.”

The funding from FY 2023 includes more than $100 million in Municipal Aid with another $80 million-plus in investment toward important projects through the city, the county, and its Improvement Authority, including:

• $35 million to demolish vacant structures through the Camden County Improvement Authority
• $15 million for the Camden County Courthouse Regional Corrections Center Initiative
• $10 million for Camden County’s work to rehabilitate Admiral Wilson Boulevard West
• $10 million for Camden County’s Parks and Trails Program
• $5 million for the Camden Housing Fund Initiative
• $5 million for citywide improvements for pedestrian safety
• $2 million for a Camden Works pilot program
• $600,000 for social services for homelessness by Joseph’s House of Camden

“The state’s ongoing investments in the City of Camden have netted positive results for the city’s residents who rely on supplemental funding for access to affordable housing, social programming, infrastructure upgrades and neighborhood improvements,” said Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, who also serves as commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “The Fiscal Year 2023 Budget doubles down on our holistic effort to make Camden a place where people can work, learn, raise a family and live a good quality of life.”

The FY 2022 Transitional Aid Funds will provide investment to complete critical need projects, such as upgrading City Hall and the Metro Police Department, road paving and improvements, equipment for the Department of Public Works, remediating illegal dump sites, and upgrading sewer and water infrastructure.

“Camden is home to a significant population of low-income households within the state,” said state Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Perez, D-5th District. “This vital appropriation will be used to strengthen the city’s infrastructure including an investment in long-needed sewer and water upgrades, while increasing available resources for all residents.”

“This announcement will signify the largest Supplement to Transitional Aid in Camden’s history,” said Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen. “The $24 million in supplemental transitional aid will not only support Camden’s public safety efforts, it will help reduce illegal dumping, help to bolster ongoing improvements to our water, sewer and infrastructure systems and will leverage millions more in federal, state, county and local resources already being invested citywide.”

“I look forward to a continued partnership with Mayor Victor Carstarphen and the city council to further invest in the bright future of the city,” said Murphy.