32° and Sunny
Image
State-of-the-art building to enhance public health and emergency response operations, funded by federal relief money.
12-13-2024 2:31pm
Morris County Breaks Ground on $18 Million Health and Emergency Facility
Chris Connors
Editor
Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, NJ - This week, Morris County officials broke ground on a cutting-edge multipurpose facility designed to bolster the county’s public health and emergency response capabilities. The $18 million project, located at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy in Parsippany-Troy Hills, is being financed through federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds earmarked for public health improvements.
The Facility
Spanning approximately 65,540 square feet, the new facility will provide much-needed space for the Morris County Office of Public Health and emergency services. It will include meeting rooms, enhanced storage facilities for life-saving equipment, and garage areas to house key emergency response vehicles and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Vehicles and equipment from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Law and Public Safety, including the Office of Emergency Management, will also be stored at the facility.
Addressing Current Limitations
The new facility will replace the current Office of Public Health, located in a repurposed armory nearby on West Hanover Avenue. Once vacated, the armory building is set to be upgraded and repurposed for other county operations, making way for more modern and centralized public health operations.
By consolidating emergency response resources and providing upgraded infrastructure, the project aims to improve Morris County’s preparedness for natural disasters, pandemics, and other public emergencies.
Federal Funding
The project is funded through ARPA, a federal program designed to aid local governments in addressing public health needs and economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. The county has allocated these funds to ensure that its emergency response teams and public health officials have the tools they need to safeguard the community.
Next Steps
Site preparation began last week, with construction expected to proceed shortly. The new facility marks a significant investment in Morris County’s future, providing a centralized, state-of-the-art space to support its first responders and public health professionals.
As officials continue to prioritize public safety and health, this facility represents a milestone in the county’s commitment to its residents’ well-being.
