The Authority Newsletter- March 2026

What's New at The Authority?

Authority Trademark

The Authority has filed an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to trademark its logo, including the “Improving Your Tomorrow” slogan. This important step reinforces our commitment to protecting and formalizing our brand that represents our mission and the work we do every day. Securing a trademark ensures that our identity remains uniquely ours, as we continue to serve our community and improve your tomorrow. 

Landfill Update

The Authority’s 2026 projects are underway. The Authority is in the early phases of Fleet Office and Scale House Renovations. The Authority has begun to prepare for a Cell 10 expansion of the landfill. This expansion will extend the life of the landfill from 2041 to 2058. This is a three to five-year project, as The Authority has begun bi-weekly meetings with engineers for proposals to find the best strategies to maximize landfill space. The initial draft permit will be submitted to the DEP in July 2026. 

Upper Deerfield Board of Education

 Progress at the Seabrook School Pre-K expansion has been experiencing weather-related delays. The Authority is working daily with the general contractor to develop a recovery plan to meet the contract schedule, without adding any additional costs to the owner. The wood framed, mechanical mezzanine for Air Handler Units has been completed. The Air Handlers will be set the week of March 9. The next major milestone for the project is to get the pre-fabricated wood trusses, sheathing, and shingles installed in the next three weeks. The electricians have continued to work and the masons have been onsite, as the weather has allowed. The fire sprinkler subcontractor has started installing pipe hangers and laying out main trunk runs in coordination with the other subcontractors.

CCTEC

The new addition for the Cumberland County Technical Education Center is progressing. The foundation walls have been completed and are ready for grouting. The under slab plumbing and electric are scheduled to begin in the upcoming days. The new addition will be approximately 16,800 square-feet and house two dual-use classrooms, a construction lab, two manufacturing labs, a photonics stem lab, and welding lab, along with support spaces, such as offices, a conference room, and utility spaces. The project is expected to be complete in April 2027. 

Bridgeton Fire Station

The Bridgeton Fire Station Project is progressing. The new stair tower is being completed with brickwork to match the existing historic building façade, along with matching stone accents. The project is progressing with the completion of the steel for the apparatus bay, metal panel roof system, installation, and Opti liner ceiling finish system poised and ready to begin installation. Inside cabinetry is being installed. The project is on schedule to be completed in the Spring/Summer 2026.

Food Waste Update

Recently added language in the NJ Food Waste Reduction Bill gives The Authority an exemption, due to its landfill gas-to-energy technology. “Food waste sent for final disposal to a sanitary landfill facility that collects and delivers landfill gas to a gas-to-energy facility as fuel for the generation of Class I renewable energy or for the generation of renewable natural gas of pipeline quality standards or transportation fuel grade requirements shall not be subject to the food waste reduction requirements of this section.” This addition to the Food Waste Legislation will allow The Authority to create a Solid Waste Management Plan, encouraging Food Waste Producers to utilize the Cumberland County Landfill for food waste disposal. 

Welcome Tom Tedesco to The Authority Board

The Authority would like to welcome Mr. Tom Tedesco to the Board! The Board and staff look forward to working with Tom, as we continue to find creative initiatives to enhance Authority operations and provide resources to the County and its residents. 

Improving Your Tomorrow: Across South Jersey

One Stop Operator

The Authority serves as the One Stop Operator for Cumberland, Salem, and Cape May counties and aims to improve outcomes for people seeking to re-enter the workforce. Working closely with the Workforce Development Board, The Authority is focused on increasing apprenticeship opportunities, improving access to transportation, enhancing connections between partner organizations and local businesses, and addressing policy changes, such as work activity requirements. The One-Stop Operator, in coordination with the Cumberland, Salem and Cape May Workforce Development Board, ensures that services are responsive to the specific economic needs of the tri-county area. By leveraging partnerships with local agencies and educational institutions, the One-Stop system delivers targeted programs that support high-demand industries and stimulate economic growth. The services provided are supported by the New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) with funds from the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). 100% of these services are financed through federal funding.

Linden Street Homes

Progress continues on Linden Street. Construction of the six new homes remains on schedule. American Water has begun installing the street water services to all six houses, while electrical services and furnaces are installed in units 46, 55, and 44. Counter tops, tile floors,  garage doors, and porch railings are being installed as well.

Cape May Police Department

Construction of the new Cape May Police Department facility continued to advance in February. All underground utility installations have been completed. Progress toward building pad preparation was impacted by snow and extreme cold temperatures during the month, resulting in temporary delays. Crews are continuing pad preparation efforts as weather conditions improve. Once final subgrade preparation is complete, the vapor mitigation system will be installed, followed immediately by placement of the building pad in advance of upcoming concrete work.

Salem County Prosecutor’s Office

Work at the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office has officially begun. Initial phases are focused on the basement and first floor demolition. This project consists of new flooring, paint, ceiling tile, and bathroom upgrades throughout the building. There  will also  be the  addition of  an ADA  ramp to the rear of the building, and a partial roof replacement. This project is estimated to be completed in the Fall of 2026.

Salem County Social Services

Phase 2--demolition has been concluded. All rough framing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work has been installed and inspected. Painting has been completed and ceiling grids have been installed. The project is on schedule to be complete in summer 2026. 

Fenwick Plaza Update

The Authority continues its renovations   of   Fenwick   Plaza  in Salem.  The second story of the plaza will be ready for occupancy this spring. This is the next step in the effort to return Fenwick Plaza to a hub of downtown activity. A grocery store is planned for the first floor, and the operators have secured grant funding to move the project forward. Rastelli Foods and Ranch Hope will be presenting additional details at the Salem City Council meeting on March 9. When completed, the renovated and reinvigorated Fenwick Plaza will serve as a catalyst for economic development and provide businesses, government, and social services an anchor for the residents of the City of Salem and the region. The Authority is excited by the opportunity to be a part of Salem’s revitalization story.

Cape May County Justice Complex

Work continues at the new $21,546,500 Cape May County Justice Complex. Snow and cold weather have required adjustments  to   the  schedule  and  the sequence of the work. Ironclad Erectors commenced structural steel erection on February 18, 2026 and are expected to be complete by March 16, 2026. Baumgardner Masonry  has mobilized  to the site,    continuingto receive materials, and constructed scaffolding. They are prepared to commence construction of CMU bearing walls. Schiavone Construction commenced installation of concrete curbs and started construction of the new East parking lot. They also installed the water meter pit. The contractor, Ernest Bock & Sons, is working with their subcontractors to mitigate any potential delays due to weather and to maintain the original substantial completion date of July 7, 2027, and final completion in August 2027. 

NJ State Police Red Lion LFB Approval

On February 11, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Local Finance Board approved the bond  application   for  the  New  Jersey   State  Police  Barracks  (Troop C - Red Lion)  in   Southampton Township, New Jersey. The bond is being guaranteed by Cumberland County which is the first time that a project bond has been guaranteed for an out-of-county project. The project includes property acquisition, site work, and construction. A second New Jersey State Police barracks in Hunterdon County will be up for Local Finance Board approval soon which will also be guaranteed by Cumberland County increasing their total fee for both projects to $350,000. The partnership with Cumberland County is a win-win for both parties.

Click the file below to read more about the latest news, projects, and events at The Authority.

March 2026 Newsletter.pdf

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