SCC Holds Milestone Groundbreaking
For School Expansion in City of Trenton

State Funds $3.9 Million Gregory Elementary School Project

Trenton, NJ (September 22, 2003) - The NJ Schools Construction Corporation (SCC) embarked upon a major expansion program in the Trenton School District when officials broke ground today for a $3.9 million addition and renovations at the Gregory Elementary School for the benefit of its students, faculty and the community at large.

This was the SCC's first groundbreaking in the City of Trenton, and the SCC and the Trenton Board of Education marked this milestone at a ceremony this morning attended by local and state educators and public officials.

The funding is part of the state's $8.6 billion school construction program that will help to revitalize the community, bringing jobs and targeted growth to the area.

"This school expansion in Trenton represents New Jersey's continued commitment to our children. We are living up to our most important obligation by providing 21st century facilities to ensure that every child has the opportunity to get the education they deserve and the skills necessary to start school," said Governor McGreevey.

"The state is committed to improving school facilities for New Jersey students in a cost-effective, streamlined and efficient manner. School buildings must be designed to provide access to modern technology and a thoughtful environment which is conducive to student achievement," he added.

The new 8,300-square-foot addition to the school at 500 Rutherford Avenue will include a new cafeteria, kitchen and 2 new classrooms. The work also will include extensive renovations to 2 general classrooms, 3 resource rooms, the media center, technology lab, computer room, music room and administrative offices. The expansion is targeted for completion by 2005.

"This project is an example of the progress made in the implementation of the state's historic school construction initiative. This is one of many that will be built under the educational facilities law," said Alfred McNeill, CEO New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation.

Under the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act, the SCC is responsible for school projects throughout the State. The program is the largest public construction program ever undertaken by the State of New Jersey and represents one of the largest programs of its type ever undertaken in the nation.


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