Ocean county commissioners to vote on over $70 million in new spending bills

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The Ocean County Board of Commissioners is set to vote Wednesday on a series of ordinances totaling more than $70 million in infrastructure and facility upgrades, including road reconstruction, bridge repairs, and school expansions.

The May 21 agenda includes 10 proposed spending measures. Among the largest is Ordinance #2025-15, authorizing $25.25 million in bonds for the expansion and renovation of the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science in Stafford Township. The full amount would be financed through bonds or bond anticipation notes.

Another significant project is Ordinance #2025-13, which proposes $12 million for the construction of the CR 539 overpass in Plumsted Township, with $11 million covered by bonds.

Additional planned improvements include $11.9 million for county road resurfacing, $2 million for bridge rehabilitation, and $3 million for the replacement of two Dover Road bridges in Lacey Township.

Also on the agenda is a $5.5 million ordinance for stormwater management facilities and $2 million for upgrading traffic control devices throughout the county. These projects would be funded through the county’s Capital Improvement Fund.

School expansions and compliance upgrades included

In addition to infrastructure, the board will consider Ordinance #2025-14, allocating $5.2 million for the continued expansion of the Jackson Center, part of the Ocean County Vocational Technical School. Ordinance #2025-16 proposes $1 million for planning and development of a new road facility on Chestnut Street in Toms River.

To meet environmental compliance, Ordinance #2025-11 sets aside $1 million to upgrade underground storage tanks in accordance with state and federal regulations.

A vote on all ordinances is scheduled during the regular board meeting on Tuesday. The agenda also includes authorization for the payment of bills through the bill committee.

Ocean County commissioners are poised to approve a sweeping $70 million package targeting roads, bridges, schools, and stormwater infrastructure.

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