GLEN ROCK, NJ – Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted mayors from across the Fifth Congressional District for meetings with federal experts on grants available to local communities to fix crumbling infrastructure, protect students in their schools, respond quickly to storms, and provide essential equipment to first responders. The mayors discussed strategies to better leverage grants to serve their constituents while improving the return on investment the region sees for its federal tax dollars.

Before Gottheimer took office, the Fifth Congressional District historically received only 33 cents back on every federal tax dollar it pays, while states like Mississippi get $4.38. Earlier this year, Gottheimer joined local elected officials and first responders to announce that the Fifth District had clawed back $290 per household from Washington and Moocher States – 16% higher than in recent years – to support local schools, boost storm preparedness and response, and help fight crime and terror.

The mayors met with representatives from several federal agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Defense, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Agriculture.

“I’ve always said that New Jersey needs a better return from the taxpayer dollars we send to Washington. The key is working with local mayors and councils to claw back more dollars to New Jersey from the Moocher States. I’m glad our local leaders could meet with federal experts, learning best practices and opportunities for federal grants and for projects and policies that will help the people we serve together,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).

“It was a tremendous opportunity to sit with current administrative officials to be able to gain insight to the processes involved in not only in the grant application process but also which grants are being given higher priorities and funding opportunities for our town,” said Mayor William Hauser of Rochelle Park.

“We were able to meet with representatives from the Department of Transportation, the Department of Agriculture’s Division of Rural Utilities, and several other agencies for everything from sidewalks and ambulances to better telecommunications and water infrastructure,” said Mayor Adele Starrs of Knowlton. “It’s not often that small towns get these kinds of introductions and help in accessing grants — it was an excellent opportunity to bring federal resources home.”

Below: (L-R) Ridgewood Mayor Ramon Hache, Knowlton Mayor Adele Starrs, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Hardwick Mayor Kevin Duffy, Rochelle Park Mayor BJ Hauser, and Wyckoff Mayor Brian Scanlan. Not Pictured: Hope Mayor Tim McDonough.

###