TRENTON, N.J.
– New Jersey Department of Community Affairs; (DCA) Commissioner Susan Bass Levin today announced the award of over $238,000 in Sharing Available Resources Efficiently (SHARE) grants. The grants will be awarded to ten municipalities across New Jersey to help fund feasibility studies.

“Sharing services is an integral part of increasing government efficiency and a vital component of my administration’s property tax reform plan,” said Governor Corzine.  “By looking at consolidating services, these towns are showing a dedication to driving down costs and increasing government efficiency.”

“SHARE grants help encourage local governments to be more creative as they get the most out of their tax dollars,” said DCA Commissioner Susan Bass Levin.  “Governor Corzine's continued commitment to the sharing and consolidation of services is allowing municipalities across the state to provide more efficient government and reduce the burden on property tax payers."

Neptune City and Avon-by-the-Sea will receive a $19,800 feasibility study grant.  The grant will fund a consultant to assess the feasibility of joint dispatching services between the two towns.

Fanwood and Scotch Plains will receive a $149,750 feasibility study grant.  The grant will fund consultants to assess the feasibility of creating a joint library in a new shared facility.

North Plainfield, Watchung and Green Brook will receive a $61,285 feasibility study grant.  The grant will fund a feasibility study of possible shared fire and EMS services.

Tabernacle, Tabernacle Township Fire District #1, Shamong and Medford Lakes will receive an $18,000 feasibility study grant.  They grant will fund a feasibility study of possible shared fire and EMS services.

DCA’s SHARE program provides assistance for the study or implementation of any regional or shared service agreement, or for the coordination of programs and services authorized under the Uniformed Shared Services and Consolidation Act.  These grants are administered by the DCA and are available to local governments and nonprofit organizations.

DCA has awarded a total of $6,573,335 through 98 SHARE Grants since the program’s inception.

For more information on the SHARE program, call 609-984-7764, or log on to www.nj.gov/dca/lgs/