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Funding Secured for Bridgeton High School Stadium Restoration Project

BRIDGETON, NJ –  After two years of hard work, Salmon Ventures is pleased to announce that funding has been secured for Phase I and Phase II of the Bridgeton High School Stadium renovation and restoration project. At a press conference held on Wednesday April 29, 2009 representatives from the Bridgeton High School Foundation, members of the Bridgeton Board of Education, and Mayor James Begley announced that construction would begin in early fall 2009.

“This is truly an exciting day for everyone involved with this effort,” said High School Foundation Chairman Carl Kirstein. “The final piece of the puzzle fell into place earlier this month with the news that the Foundation has been approved for a Green Acres Matching Grant of $400,000, which raises the total commitment for Phase I and Phase II of the project to over $4.5 million. On behalf of the entire Foundation Committee, our thanks to Mike Zumpino and everyone at TRIAD Associates who did the hard work of preparing the Green Acres application for review by the New Jersey DEP and the Garden State Preservation Trust. Your help has gone a long way towards making our dreams a reality.”

The ambitious Stadium renovation project is multi-phased, with the Stadium preservation, including the bleachers, railings, and press box, designated as Phase I. Phase II includes the installation of a new track and synthetic playing field, which will accommodate everything from field athletics to concerts. Phase III of the project includes the construction of a new field house, locker rooms, meeting rooms, and a community center.

The additional $4.1 million in funding for Phase I and Phase II of the project is truly a public/private partnership. It includes $1.25 million in private donations, $1.7 million in loan/grants from the Cumberland County Improvement Authority, a City of Bridgeton $1,000,000 Green Acres Matching Grant, and a $196,000 HUD Matching Grant.

“From the beginning, I have viewed the project as the cornerstone of redevelopment efforts in and around the Bridgeton City Park area,” said Bridgton Mayor James Begley. “When the project is fully realized, the current stadium will be transformed from an athletic facility into a true focal point for a variety of community activities which will benefit not only Bridgeton, but the entire western side of the county.”

“We are very excited that the facilities which are needed to serve our school and our community for the foreseeable future will soon be a reality,” said Bridgeton School Board President Jack Surrency. “Bridgeton High School has had a tradition of success in a variety of sports. Some graduates have gone on to fulfilling athletic careers, and many have taken on leadership roles throughout the area. The renovation of the Stadium, and the development of new facilities associated with the Stadium will help future graduates to continue a winning tradition of athletic success and community service.”

“From the beginning, the Committee has approached this project with the idea of promoting a regional sense of cooperation between the public and private sector,” Kirstein said. “Many members of the community have truly put their hearts into this effort, and their contributions of time and money, have helped this day become a reality. Once again, we must also give special recognition to Bob Thompson, the Cumberland County Improvement Authority, Allen Associates, Century Savings Bank, Colonial Bank, and hundreds of individuals for their contributions. Also a special thank you to New Jersey Senators Frank Lautenburg and Robert Menendez, and Congressman Frank LoBiondo who helped the Board of Education obtain a $196,000 Federal grant for the project. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not thank our partners at Salmon Ventures who continue to provide outstanding guidance and organizational support to the Foundation.”

“Even with the successes we are announcing today, we are not resting on our laurels. As the start of Phase I and Phase II construction nears, the continued support of the community is imperative for the entire project to be fully realized. We will probably still need to raise approximately $2 million to complete Phase III. However, the excitement we are feeling today, and the generosity exhibited by so many people, gives me every confidence that we will be able to achieve our goal,” Kirstein concluded.

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