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Bill would give Water Works towns new options By BiLL saNseRViNO Proposed legislation moving through the New Jersey Legislature could give towns served by Trenton Water Works a new financial framework that supporters say could help facilitate regionalization or other public water options. The measure would create a state-created, pension-backed structure that could be used, with additional approvals, to support efforts by communities served by Trenton Water Works to pursue alternatives to the existing system. The bill, known as the Citizens Fund Act, has drawn sharp debate as lawmakers weigh how — or whether — it could help address years of infrastructure failures, governance disputes, and financial strain at the troubled municipal water system. The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee had advanced the bill on Jan. 5 to the Appropriations Committee. The bill was sponsored by Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, D-Mercer. On Jan. 8, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee had advanced a companion bill, with amendments, and placed it on second reading in the Senate. The Senate version is sponsored by Sen. Linda Greenstein,
D-Mercer. A floor vote had not yet been scheduled. Unfortunately, with the start of the new legislative session on Jan. 13, the prior versions of the Citizens Fund Act expired. Any newly filed version of the legislation is required to begin the legislative process again, including committee referrals and hearings, before advancing to a floor vote. The bill has been reintroduced in both houses and is set for committee reviews. Supporters of the bill say it could serve two public paths forward: creating a publicly owned The Hopewell Museum in 1877 (left), when it was the residence of Randolph and Carrie Stout, and regional utility that replaces in 2022. Trenton-only governance, or allowing suburban municipalities to finance their own water systems or connect to other public water providers. They emphasize that the legislation does not mandate borough have been approved. at the same time transforming either outcome, but instead By eRic LuBeLL And Princeton-based general our space into a 21st century establishes a financial and legal Hopewell Museum’s Board of contractor, C. Raymond Davis & meeting place and gallery— framework that could be used as part of a broader restructuring Trustees is pleased to announce Sons, is poised to begin careful that’s been our mission from the start of Phase 3, the $1.5 renovation of the historic 1877 Day One.” plan if local parties agree. LayerX’s lead architect, WolEither approach, they argue, million portion of its renovation building’s interior. Museum board president fram Arendt, echoed this comwould give communities an project, Reimagination. Its master plan, designed by Vincent Janoski, spoke of the mitment. “The house at 28 E. option other than selling or leasing water assets to a private LayerX Architects of Philadel- challenge of “reimagining” a Broad St. is a beautiful buildphia, was finalized in September, 19th-century home into a 21st- ing, but it’s an old building. Our company. charge is to put in elements The legislation was shaped with newly configured rooms, century museum. “Our house is the first item for long-term sustainability, at against the backdrop of long- modernized mechanicals and to Capital Health. and enlarged capac- in our collection,” he said. “Pre- the same time we preserve the running problems atWelcome Trenton lighting, See WATER, Page 8 See MUSEUM, Page 6 ity. Permits from the state and serving its classic qualities, and When someone you care about is sick, you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they get the best care. And so do we.
Hopewell Museum launches Phase 3 of ‘Reimagination’ how far would you go if they were sick?
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