State, county and local officials as well as business and community leaders recently joined Cumberland County Improvement Authority representatives to celebrate the opening of a new State and County Services Campus located at 275 Delsea Drive in Vineland. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the launch of a building project model for the CCIA and their role in local economic development.

The project was financed and developed by the Improvement Authority, which owns the recently celebrated facility and a second building on the property. This initiative involves a partnership primarily with the New Jersey State Treasury and Motor Vehicle Commission which has resulted in a $14.4 million restoration incentive.

CCIA Executive Director Gerard Velazquez explained “Through CCIA’s prudent financing, acquisition and revival of this type of county facility — the Improvement Authority is creating advantageous economies of scale by being able to lease the building to its occupants at a lower cost than they had been paying previously.” According to Velazquez, this project is a leading example of other owned and leased space partnerships and shared services the Authority is also discussing with local municipalities.

The CCIA also administers shared services to the county and local municipalities to create pooled resources for items such as fleet maintenance, trash and recycling services, property management, marketing and economic development. The programs collectively result in nearly $1.5 million in annual savings and allocated funds, along with a direct contribution to Cumberland County.

“The added revenue through this rental income source will contribute toward future reinvestment and projects to advance Cumberland County,” CCIA Chairman Robert Nedohon added.

The two buildings set on the State and County Services Campus in Vineland cover 116,000 square-feet. The project was intended to streamline delivery of federal and state social services. Renovations at the 275 N. Delsea Drive location include the State’s Department of Agriculture, WorkFirst NJ, and the department of Children and Families along other county bureaus. The entire project is slated for completion this year.

New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles officials report that the building arrangement with the Improvement Authority has enabled them to have a new and conveniently-located office space for their staff and for the many residents who use their services. Velazquez adds, “Most important is that they were able to accomplish all this while also realizing a worthwhile reduction in their monthly expenses.”

In addition to its environmental related initiatives, the Cumberland County Improvement Authority is responsible for the development, financing and project management of projects and programs most vital to sustaining the economic and environmental future of the County and the state of New Jersey. The Authority works in tandem with the Cumberland County Board of Chosen Freeholders to foster greater economic growth, business development and quality of life for all Cumberland County residents.

 

December 5, 2016 | Source